4 Jun 2026

A webinar was held to discuss earthquake hazards in Kazakhstan and their implications for urban development, energy infrastructure, and transport networks. The session highlighted Kazakhstan’s long history of significant earthquakes and the challenges associated with assessing seismic hazards, modelling risks, and building resilience in a rapidly developing environment.

The webinar was hosted and moderated by David Hardy, Director at BKS.

The panel featured three distinguished experts:
Professor Richard Walker (University of Oxford), who shared insights from over two decades of research on earthquake processes and their societal impacts, with a particular focus on Central Asia.
Aidyn Mukambayev, Deputy Head of Kazakhstan’s National Data Center and researcher at the National Nuclear Center, who discussed seismic monitoring systems and approaches to earthquake hazard assessment in Kazakhstan.
Ekbal Hussain (British Geological Survey), who presented how satellite Earth observation technologies can support disaster risk reduction and improve understanding of natural hazards.

The discussion emphasized the importance of studying both historical and prehistoric earthquake records to identify areas of seismic risk and improve hazard assessments. Speakers highlighted how enhanced knowledge of earthquake hazards can support more effective planning, infrastructure development, and risk mitigation strategies.

A key theme throughout the webinar was that earthquake impacts are not limited by national borders. The panel stressed the value of international cooperation, scientific collaboration, and knowledge exchange in strengthening regional resilience and improving preparedness for future seismic events.