Emergency alert sent to Almaty residents during citywide earthquake drill

Tengrinews.kz - Sirens sounded across Almaty at 11:00 a.m. on April 30 as part of a scheduled citywide earthquake drill.

Earlier, the Department of Emergency Situations (DES) of Almaty had announced plans for a seismic training exercise, during which the city’s public alert system would be activated. This included the use of siren-loudspeaker installations, mobile push notifications, and temporary broadcasting interruptions on television and radio.

Screenshot

Almaty is located in a 9–10 magnitude seismic zone

Authorities emphasized that since Almaty lies in a high-risk seismic zone, it is crucial for every resident to be personally prepared for emergencies. In the event of an earthquake, maintaining psychological calm is essential, as panic can often cause more harm than the disaster itself and its aftereffects.

“That’s why we regularly conduct earthquake drills — to help residents develop the practical skills they need and build emotional resilience. These exercises ensure people know how to act and remain composed during a real emergency,” DES officials said.

Previously, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Emergency Situations reminded citizens of 10 essential steps to help protect themselves and those around them during an earthquake.