Another earthquake in Almaty prompted residents to reconsider living in private homes. Many now fear high-rises, as vibrations are felt more strongly on upper floors during earthquakes. Architect Zhanna Spuner explains that building height does not affect seismic resistance. She reassures that living in a seismic-resistant high-rise can be safer than in a private home.
According to a publication on "24.kz," the advantage of private homes during earthquakes lies in the ability to evacuate faster, provided that the construction meets building standards. Eraly Shokparov, the managing director of AO "KazNIISA," advises building private homes according to seismic construction requirements to prevent severe damage or collapse.
Not all single-story buildings can be considered seismic-safe. Experts do not consider old adobe houses built with local materials as safe. In Almaty, it is recommended to build single-story homes with a wooden frame, as this lightweight structure can withstand ground vibrations if built according to construction norms.
A strong earthquake hit Almaty on March 4, 2024, at 11:22, with a magnitude of 5. Residents' reactions to the natural disaster and the city's response can be found in the full article. On the night of March 6, another earthquake was felt in Almaty, with the epicenter located 266 kilometers southeast of the city in China, registering a magnitude of two in Almaty on the MSK-64 scale.
