Tremors felt in Almaty as 4.7M quake hits China
A 2-magnitude aftershock was felt in Almaty city following the earthquake measured 4.7M the city recorded this early morning in the territory of China, Kazinform News Agency cites the emergency situations ministry of Kazakhstan.
The city has temporarily put on hold the operation of the metro. Works are underway to inspect the tunnels to ensure traffic security.
The metro is to resume operation in three hours after receiving the emergency situations department’s approval of access to workplaces. No damages have been recorded so far in the metro. All the passengers were evacuated.
The Almaty International Airport operates in normal mode, Kazinform News Agency has learnt from the airport’s press service.
Road congestions have occurred due to the quake in Almaty.
To note, the first tremor was recorded in the city at 8:50am today.
As of 12:50pm, there were no heavy damages on buildings in the city. 384 reception centers for those affected by the earthquake were established, said Alisher Abdykadyrov, deputy mayor of Almaty city.
According to him, the commission inspection with the establishment of necessary response measures will be conducted to address reports on damages on houses and social buildings.
Meantime, photos and video footages are being spread on social networks on damages on houses and buildings, mostly cracks and collapsed plaster walls, in the earthquake.
