Strong tremors measuring 5 on MPV scale were felt in Almaty last night. Tremors were also recorded in Astana, Shymkent, and five regions, Kazinform News Agency reports.
According to the National Scientific Center for Seismological Observation and Research and the Emergencies Ministry of Kazakhstan, an earthquake measuring 6.7 on MPV scale occurred at 00:09 Almaty time, 264 kilometers to the southeast of Almaty, in the territory of Kyrgyzstan. The coordinates of the quake are 41.22° north latitude, 78.65° east longitude. Tremors measuring 5 and 2 on МSК-64 scale were felt in Almaty and Shymkent respectively, the emergencies authorities say.
Alongside, tremors were felt in Astana city and in Almaty, East Kazakhstan, Zhambyl, Zhetysu and Karaganda regions.
All relevant government agencies have been notified. Critical infrastructure is being monitored for possible damages, the emergencies department says.
The tremors continued for several minutes. Many residents hastily left their homes and took to the streets. Some shared photos and videos of the situation in social networks.
Eight people were injured as a result of the quake in Almaty. They were immediately taken to the hospitals, Kazinform News Agency reports.
According to the local healthcare authorities, three people were injured after jumping from the 2nd and 3rd floors of residential buildings. Two of them were released for outpatient treatment. The condition of the third patient is estimated as serious, he was hospitalized. Five people were injured while running out of the buildings. Upon receiving necessary care, they were sent for outpatient treatment too.
Tremors were also felt in Zhetysu region – Taldykorgan city, Tekeli town and Panfilov district. As the local emergencies department said, no injuries were reported.
By Arailym Temirgaliyeva for Kazinform.
