WHO earthquake warning not a prediction of imminent quake in Kyrgyzstan, says seismologist

A recent statement from the World Health Organization advising Central Asian nations to bolster their readiness for significant earthquakes has been clarified by a Kyrgyz seismologist. Kanatbek Abdrakhmatov stated that the WHO's recommendation does not signal an impending major earthquake in Kyrgyzstan.

According to Abdrakhmatov, the Institute of Seismology currently lacks scientific data to support claims of an imminent strong earthquake in the country. He explained that the WHO's statement should be interpreted as an appeal to enhance the preparedness of medical institutions and emergency services for potential crises, rather than a forecast of an immediate natural disaster.

"The main goal is to save lives, provide timely assistance to victims, and minimize the potential consequences of natural disasters," Abdrakhmatov noted. He stressed that Kyrgyzstan must prioritize disaster prevention, which includes conducting regular drills, increasing public awareness, and educating schoolchildren on safety protocols. The seismologist identified the Alay Valley, Osh and Jalal-Abad regions, and the Issyk-Kul basin as the most seismically active areas in the country, while reiterating that predicting the exact time and location of future earthquakes remains impossible. Abdrakhmatov urged the public to avoid panic, adhere to safety guidelines, and trust only official information from state authorities.

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The main goal is to save lives, provide timely assistance to victims, and minimize the potential consequences of natural disasters.