Kazakhstan warns of aftershocks after 6.1-magnitude quake in China felt in Almaty Video/Photo/Updated

Kazakh authorities have issued a warning about potential aftershocks following the earthquake in China’s Aksu region, which was felt across Almaty and other settlements. 

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) stated that repeated tremors could occur in the coming hours or days and advised residents to follow the guidance of national authorities, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media.

The Department of Emergency Situations said a scientific commission is currently assessing the likelihood of aftershocks and will release official forecasts once the review is complete.

Earlier on December 4, noticeable tremors prompted mass evacuations in Almaty, with people leaving offices, residential buildings, and shopping centers. Metro services were temporarily suspended as a precaution. 

13:22

Kazakh authorities have set up a psychological support hotline in Almaty following the tremors caused by the 6.1-magnitude earthquake in China’s southern Xinjiang region.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations said the hotline is staffed with psychologists who are receiving calls from residents experiencing stress or anxiety after the shaking. Officials noted that many people contacted the service seeking reassurance in the hours after the quake, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media. 

12:29

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck China’s southern Xinjiang region was felt hundreds of kilometers away in Almaty, Kazakhstan. 

Residents across Almaty reported light shaking as the tremors reached the city. Witnesses said walls and chandeliers swayed in apartments, prompting many people, particularly those living in high-rise buildings, to leave their homes as a precaution, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media. 

Social media platforms and messaging apps quickly filled with messages from users checking on one another and sharing their experiences from different parts of the city.

Seismologists in Kazakhstan confirmed that the shaking in Almaty was linked to the earthquake in southern Xinjiang. Local emergency systems were activated, with sirens briefly sounding and mobile phone alerts warning residents of seismic activity. 

By Sabina Mammadli