Magnitude 5 Earthquake Hits Almaty

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

On March 4, at 11:22 a.m., a strong earthquake struck Almaty, with updates continuing to emerge, QazMonitor reports citing the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

The National Scientific Center for Seismological Observations and Research is refining details about the epicenter and magnitude. Meanwhile, the Almaty City Department of Emergency Situations has activated sirens in response to the event.

Almaty Department of Emergency Situations shares hotline numbers:

• Emergency service: 112, 101 (countrywide)

• Almaty city: +7(727)278-20-83, +7(727)278-20-84

• Almaty region: +7(727)722-61-51, +7(727)722-60-97

• Zhetysu region: +7(7282)22-02-18

• Crisis Management Center: +7(7172)70-41-14

• Mental Health line: +7(727)722-60-97

What is known so far: At 11:34 a.m., the Center reported that the epicenter of the earthquake is located 31 km south of Almaty city within the territory of Kazakhstan, registering a sensitivity of 5 points on the MSC-64 scale.

Currently, the Emergency Department advises city residents to remain in their apartments until the tremors subside. Once the shaking has ceased, residents are instructed to proceed to the nearest emergency reception center for further assistance and guidance.

At 11:55 a.m., the Emergency Department has activated its staff. No information about victims has been reported yet; the department is currently conducting monitoring and collecting information about the consequences of the earthquake.

The Head of Almaty, Yerbolat Dossayev, is currently at the operational headquarters since 11:40 am, outlining the city's further plan of action.

• All essential life support systems within the city have been activated.

• The city's Police Department is operating under normal conditions.

• All schools and kindergartens are open, with emergency reception centers in operation.

• Emergency medical services, along with all multidisciplinary hospitals, including specialized hospitals, children's hospitals, and maternity organizations, are operating in a reinforced mode.