On March 28, a 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Zhambyl Region, prompting government action. President Tokayev was briefed on the situation, and Prime Minister Bektenov was tasked with organizing aid and infrastructure restoration. Structural damages have been reported, but no casualties were confirmed. The government is actively engaging in damage assessments and public safety measures.
On March 28, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received updates from Zhambyl Region Akim Yerbol Karashukeyev and Emergency Situations Minister Chingis Arinov regarding the earthquake’s impacts in the region. The government is actively monitoring the situation, with instructions issued to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov to expedite aid delivery and facilitate the quick restoration of infrastructure.
The initial earthquake, measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale, struck on March 28 at 3:42 a.m. Astana time, near the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyz Republic border, approximately 323 kilometers from Almaty. The tremors were felt across the Zhambyl Region and in neighboring Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, where they measured 5.5. Areas like Taraz and Shu experienced lower intensity tremors, while Merke and Kulan reported higher intensity.
A second tremor occurred later that day at 4 p.m. originating from the Kyrgyz Republic, with ongoing assessments regarding its intensity, although no injuries or significant damage have been confirmed. In the aftermath, the Ministry of Emergency Situations indicated damage to 11 social facilities and 12 residential buildings in Merke and Turar Ryskulov districts, prompting continued inspections to assess total damages.
To address the situation, the Emergency Situations Ministry established an operational headquarters and initiated a public hotline for inquiries. A government-led group, led by a deputy minister, was dispatched to support local authorities and assess damage extent. Prime Minister Bektenov highlighted the importance of monitoring critical infrastructure, including essential social facilities and roads, to ensure public safety and support recovery efforts.
The Kazakh government is responding effectively to the earthquake’s aftermath in the Zhambyl Region by coordinating with key officials to assess and manage the damage. Aid delivery and infrastructure restoration are being prioritized. Continuous monitoring is essential to safeguard public safety and support recovery efforts across impacted areas.
Original Source: astanatimes.com
