Seismologist warns against building on tectonic faults in Almaty
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Seismologist Mukhtar Khaidarov said construction on tectonic faults in Almaty carries additional earthquake risks due to soil liquefaction. He identified the Medeu district as especially hazardous because many faults intersect there. Khaidarov noted some central areas remain relatively stable, even as he called for considering terrain and soil conditions in construction.
Key Facts
- Seismologist Mukhtar Khaidarov said water-saturated ground can lose strength during an earthquake and behave like a liquid, threatening buildings on it.
- Khaidarov called the Medeu district of Almaty especially hazardous because many tectonic faults intersect there.
- Khaidarov said the area around the new and old squares in central Almaty, where the akimat and former Government House stand, has relatively stable crustal blocks.
- Khaidarov said building on steep slopes can increase seismic intensity by about one point, and waterlogged soils add further risk.
- In September, Majilis deputy Bakytzhan Bazarbek proposed banning construction of apartment buildings on tectonic faults, in foothills, and in mudflow-prone zones.
Soil Liquefaction Risk
Khaidarov said construction on tectonic faults is unacceptable because even a diamond-built house would tilt and fall due to liquefaction. He explained that during an earthquake, water-saturated ground can lose strength and behave like a liquid, affecting the stability of buildings above it. Khaidarov noted that the Medeu district of Almaty is particularly difficult because it is the junction of many faults, not just two. He added that the previously cited 17 faults may reflect only large structures, and the actual number could be significantly higher.
Stable Zones and Terrain
Khaidarov said relatively stable crustal blocks remain in central Almaty, including around the new akimat and the old Government House on the old square. He said construction in Almaty must account for relief and soil conditions, with building on steep slopes increasing seismic intensity by about one point. Khaidarov identified waterlogged soils as an additional risk factor for construction.
Regulatory Response
Almaty residents have repeatedly demanded an end to foothill construction that threatens landslides. In September, Majilis deputy Bakytzhan Bazarbek raised issues of illegal mountain cutting, filling of natural ravines and rivers, and unauthorized construction in foothill and upper areas of Almaty. Bazarbek proposed banning construction of apartment buildings on tectonic faults, in foothills, and in mudflow-prone zones. In August last year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered a moratorium on residential complex construction and infill development in upper Almaty. In January, Tokayev signed a new Construction Code that strengthens state control and increases responsibility of developers and expert organizations, and it took effect on July 1 with stricter requirements for mountain-area construction.
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Seismologist warns against building on tectonic faults in Almaty
