Impacted Location:
Almaty, surrounding areas in southeast Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Event Details:
At 11:22 AM local time in Almaty, the US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a 5.3 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter located approximately 25 miles south of Almaty near the border with Kyrgyzstan.
Initial statements from local authorities indicated no reported casualties in Almaty, but damage and casualty assessments may change as more information becomes available. Aftershocks are possible. Additional information is available on the USGS website.
Recommendations:
In an emergency, U.S. citizens should follow directions provided by the Kazakh emergency services, particularly the Ministry for Emergency Situations. Emergency services in Kazakhstan can be contacted at the following numbers:
· Emergency Dispatch: 112 serves as the unified dispatch service for the Ministry for Emergency Situations. They will be able to connect you with any emergency service, to include police, fire, medical services, and rescue.
· Fire: 101
· Police: 102
· Ambulance: 103
· Gas Emergency Service: 104
For additional information on earthquake safety, please reference USGS recommendations for how to prepare prior to an earthquake, what to do during an earthquake, and what to do after an earthquake.
Additional Best Practices:
· Stay informed by enrolling in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
· Keep contact information of the U.S. Embassy in Astana and U.S. Consulate General in Almaty with you.
· Make sure your passport is ready for use in case you should need to travel suddenly. Most countries require that it be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip and that it have two or more blank pages. See our passport page for information about renewing passports in Kazakhstan.
· Ensure you have insurance whenever you are traveling abroad. For more information, see Insurance Providers for Overseas Coverage.
Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Kazakhstan:
U.S. Consulate General Almaty – +7 (7272) 50-48-02
U.S. Embassy Astana – +7 (7172) 70-21-00
Astana after-hours assistance – +7 (7172) 70-22-00
Email: USAKZ@state.gov
Kazakhstan Country Information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
