The exercise, known as "Zher-2023," will span two days.
Source: Ministry of Emergency Situations
In the republican command and staff exercise "Zher-2023," besides Kazakhstan's republican civil defense services, emergency rescue services from the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States, including Azerbaijan, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, are also participating, as reported by Sarbaz.kz, citing the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan.
The Republican headquarters for the development and coordination of joint rescue operations is located in the city of Almaty.
According to the agency, the primary objective of the exercise is to prepare and educate the population, instill a culture of general safety, and enhance the readiness of civil defense forces to respond to earthquake situations.
Seismic drills are being conducted with residents of earthquake-prone regions. In Kazakhstan, there are nine seismic regions deemed at risk: the cities of Almaty and Shymkent, the Abai and Zhetysu regions, Almaty, East Kazakhstan, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, and Turkestan regions.
During the seismic drills, residents were briefed on the rules of conduct during destructive earthquakes. Some practical actions were practiced, such as identifying safe locations, assembling at reception points for affected populations, evacuation routes to safe areas, and more.
"We remind residents that proper actions during emergencies can help protect your life and health. Teach children the rules of behavior during earthquakes. When you hear the 'Attention, everyone!' signal, remain calm! If possible, evacuate the building immediately. Do not use elevators. If evacuation from the building is not possible, seek shelter in secure locations, such as the corners of load-bearing walls. Stay away from windows and chandeliers. Turn off gas, water, and electricity. An open area located far from power lines, trees, and buildings is a safe place outdoors. In the event of destructive earthquakes, reception points for affected populations will be set up. You can find information about the nearest point for you in the units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and local administrations," the agency's statement emphasised.