A joint Kazakh-Chinese earthquake research center has opened in Almaty. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Emergency Situations Chingis Arinov, Akim of Almaty Darkhan Satybaldy, and Chinese Consul General in Almaty Su Fangqiu.
According to the city administration, the center will serve as a platform for joint work of Kazakh and Chinese scientists in seismology.
"Plans include developing technologies for monitoring, forecasting, and early warning of earthquakes. Joint research will allow introducing modern scientific developments, exchanging experience, and increasing the level of seismic safety of the city and the region," the administration reported.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Kazakh side has already created the necessary infrastructure for the center's operation. The National Scientific Center of Seismology includes an Earthquake Research Center with three specialized laboratories. Their profile matches the model of the future joint center, allowing joint research to begin immediately.
As part of cooperation, the National Scientific Center of Seismological Observations and Research of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan and the Institute of Geophysics of the China Earthquake Administration signed a memorandum of understanding in geophysics and seismology.
Recall that following recent negotiations between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chairman of the PRC Xi Jinping in Astana, 24 intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents were signed, including an agreement to establish the center.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that at the end of July, Almaty residents felt tremors, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations reminded about emergency kits.