What to do and Who to call during an emergency in Kazakhstan

Emergency in Kazakhstan right now? Call 112 for national emergency and rescue help, 103 for an ambulance, 101 for firefighters or 102 for Police. These numbers are free through the country’s emergency phone arrangements. Tell the operator the region, city or village, street or road, building and immediate danger. If someone is unconscious, seriously injured, threatened by violence or trapped, call before reading further.

This public guide covers Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Karaganda, Aktobe, Atyrau, Aktau, Kyzylorda, east Kazakhstan, remote steppe and mountain regions. The first sections deliver the numbers and seven actions; detailed sections explain 112 dispatch, medical emergencies, fire, Police help, earthquakes around Almaty, avalanches and mudslides, spring flooding, winter roads and safe household preparation. Kazakhstan’s e-government, Ministry of Emergency Situations and current UK travel guidance were checked on 7 November 2026.

Quick answer: Kazakhstan emergency numbers

112 — unified emergency and rescue dispatch: major incidents, fire and rescue, medical or public-safety situations involving several agencies, and urgent requests when uncertain which service is needed.
103 — emergency ambulance (Жедел жәрдем / Скорая помощь): a person who is unconscious, not breathing normally, experiencing major bleeding, stroke symptoms, severe chest pain or serious trauma.
101 — fire and rescue: a spreading fire, dangerous smoke, urgent firefighting and rescues involving firefighters.
102 — Police: a violent assault, serious threat, crime in progress or other immediate law-enforcement emergency.
104 — gas emergency: a suspected gas supply hazard or leak. Call 112 or 101 when a fire or imminent life-threatening risk is involved.
109 — municipal and utility call centre: available in many localities for utility incidents, housing services, street and administrative questions. Coverage and available functions differ by city and region; it is not a nationwide replacement for 112.
1414 — national government services contact centre: guidance on ordinary public administration and e-government services, not a way to dispatch rescuers.
150 — psychological support: listed in Kazakhstan’s official national contact directory; a person facing imminent physical danger requires 112 or 103, or 102 for violence.

The national eGov emergency number 112 guide confirms 112 plus direct 101, 102, 103 and 104. Kazakhstan’s government About Kazakhstan lists the major emergency and psychological contacts. The UK government’s current emergency directory independently confirms 112, 101, 102 and 103.

The first 60 seconds: seven immediate actions

Get away from immediate danger if safe. Avoid smoke, fast traffic, violent threats, floodwater, live electrical cables, falling rocks, unstable snow and dangerous chemicals.
Call 112 or the correct direct emergency line. For a critical patient use 103, for fire use 101, and for Police danger use 102. Tell the operator if the incident requires several services.
Give your exact location first. State region (oblys), city or village, street and house, apartment and floor, road direction or the nearest landmark. Outdoors provide accurate GPS coordinates where available.
Explain the incident in one sentence. ‘One adult collapsed’; ‘two cars crashed with severe injuries’; ‘a building is burning’; or ‘a road is blocked by a mudflow’.
Count the people affected. Say whether someone is unconscious, bleeding heavily, not breathing normally, trapped, missing or unable to evacuate independently.
Follow emergency operator instructions. Stay connected as directed, give a working callback number and perform only appropriate first aid or safe action.
Help responders access the scene. If safe, arrange for somebody to meet crews at the correct entrance, road junction, bridge, trailhead or shelter.

A useful medical call might be: ‘Ambulance. One person is unconscious at [street and number], [city and region], third floor, apartment B12. The closest gate is [location]. My number is [telephone].’ In remote steppe or mountain areas, give the name of a nearby village, station, road or pass, and a verified coordinate if known.

How 112 works in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s 112 unified duty-dispatch service can coordinate calls involving fire and rescue, Police and medical services. Direct emergency numbers 101, 102 and 103 remain part of the published system. The eGov portal says a caller should clearly state the reason, exact address, name and responses to the dispatcher’s questions, then wait for the dispatcher to finish the call rather than hanging up first.

The government’s published 2026 information about the Kyzylorda region shows how local integrated call handling can bring 101, 102, 103 and 112 reports together into a digital service and forward them to responders. However, the specific IT setup and local services can differ between Kazakhstan’s regions. Do not claim that a technology rollout, response time or local utility contact is identical in all places.

The Kyzylorda 2026 emergency dispatch upgrade explains the regional system and separately describes the 109 municipal service. For a person in immediate danger, the clear choice is the working emergency number rather than 109.

Ambulance emergencies: when to use 103

Unconsciousness, serious chest pain, stroke symptoms or major bleeding

Dial 103 for someone who is not breathing normally, has collapsed, is bleeding severely, has sudden trouble speaking or one-sided weakness, severe chest pain, a major injury, serious seizure or another immediately life-threatening condition. Give observed symptoms and location rather than trying to diagnose the disease. A medical call-taker may ask about consciousness, breathing and when the symptoms began.

If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, follow emergency instructions and appropriate training for CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED). Another helper can bring the device or guide the ambulance from the building entrance. Never give food, water or tablets to someone who cannot swallow safely. Do not move a person with possible serious spine or head injury unnecessarily unless the scene is immediately dangerous.

In a large housing complex, give the building, stairwell, entrance, floor and any locked gate. In a remote settlement, identify the nearest drivable road or medical facility. An ambulance crew cannot safely assess a patient if dispatch receives only a regional city name without a usable address.

What about a stable medical condition?

Not every illness requires an ambulance. An ordinary fever, routine medicine question or stable non-serious condition may be handled by a clinic, GP or other suitable provider. Severe symptoms are different: call 103 or a working emergency route without waiting for an appointment. If a patient deteriorates rapidly, update the emergency operator rather than starting a new online search.

Fires, smoke and building rescue

Call 101 or 112 for a spreading fire, serious smoke, explosion threat or an urgent firefighting rescue. Raise the alarm when safe, move out by an appropriate route and avoid ordinary lifts during an active fire. Close doors behind you when safe to slow smoke. Do not return into danger to retrieve documents or valuables.

Kazakhstan’s eGov guidance says the fire operator needs the address, building and apartment number, entrance, floor, what is burning, whether someone needs rescue, injuries and a callback. Answer all questions and do not delay calling while attempting to extinguish a significant fire alone. Source: Government: what to do during an apartment fire.

If smoke blocks a stairwell, do not rush into it blindly. Tell the operator where you are and follow firefighters’ directions. A chemical warehouse, residential tower and rural home may require different escape and rescue decisions. Report dangerous gases or fuels only if known without entering the hazard to investigate.

Police emergencies, assault and immediate security threats

Call 102 for an assault, dangerous robbery, armed threat, crime in progress or an urgent Police protection need. Move to a safer place when possible and explain what actually happened, where and whether people are injured. Do not follow an offender or approach a dangerous object to collect a photograph.

For a theft or complaint that happened earlier without any ongoing danger, routine Police reporting procedures are more appropriate. A violent incident can involve injured people as well as Police risk, so provide full details and contact 103 for a serious medical problem as needed.

Gas leaks and utility problems: 104 versus emergency dispatch

The eGov emergency directory lists 104 for the gas emergency service. If you suspect a gas leak, do not operate electrical switches, make flames or generate sparks near the affected area; move away to safety and report the hazard through 104. If there is a fire, an explosion or serious injury, contact emergency rescue or medical services through the appropriate number.

A routine water or power outage in a city may be handled by a municipal 109 centre, utility provider or housing management company. Some municipalities offer digital apps, WhatsApp numbers and local service portals. These are not standardised as a single national ambulance or firefighter dispatch line. For immediate danger to people, use 112, 101, 102 or 103.

Spring flooding and large river systems

Kazakhstan experiences significant spring floods, especially when warming weather melts accumulated snow and rivers rise. Flooding may affect settlements, roads, farms and utility infrastructure across northern and western regions, as well as other areas. Avoid driving, walking or cycling through fast-moving or unknown water. The road may be undermined or conceal deep drainage channels, debris and electrical hazards.

If officials issue an evacuation order, leave early using approved routes. Do not enter a flooded cellar or underground garage to retrieve a car. Turn off electricity, gas and water only where the controls are safely accessible and doing so is advised. If a person is trapped, call 112 and report the exact house, village, number of people, water level and remaining safe road or boat approach.

The Kazakhstan eGov flood guidance explains actions before, during and after flooding, including using official notices and not consuming well or tap water until authorities confirm safety after contamination. A flood can leave a building structurally unstable even after water recedes. Do not return until it is safe. Official reference: Government: what to do during floods.

Mudflows, landslides and mountain valleys around Almaty

Mountain valleys and steep foothill terrain in south-east Kazakhstan can experience mudflows, landslides and sudden river surges. Intense rainfall, melting snow and unstable slopes can cause dangerous torrents of debris. Do not enter a river channel, gorge, low bridge or road where mud or moving water is crossing. Avoid hiking or driving beneath an unstable slope if rockfall or soil movement is visible.

Signs of potential landslide include fresh cracks, falling stones, tilting trees or poles and unusual ground movement. Move away when safe and obey route closures. If someone is trapped after a mudflow, call 112, give the last known location, number of people, nearest accessible road and whether debris is still moving.

The UK Government’s 2026 Kazakhstan safety guidance specifically warns of mudslides and landslides in mountain regions. A general weather forecast is not an assurance that a particular canyon or bridge is safe; check current alerts and local instructions.

Avalanches and mountaineering: how to call for rescue

Kazakhstan has high-altitude hiking, skiing and mountaineering areas near Almaty and elsewhere. Avalanche danger, falling rocks, deep snow and quickly changing weather can make rescue difficult. A person who is injured or missing needs urgent response through 112; critically injured people may also need 103. State the mountain range, trail, refuge, nearby road, last known point, number of people and accurate coordinates.

The UK travel advisory says Almaty has specialised 24-hour rescue services based near Shymbulak gorge and Big Almaty Lake, and some remote routes have shelters with emergency SOS buttons. These are local facilities, not a guarantee that similar shelters or crews exist in every mountain area. Do not venture onto unstable snow or a cliff in an untrained rescue attempt.

Before setting out, check weather, snow and trail conditions; share an itinerary and return time with someone not travelling; carry suitable equipment and a reliable communication plan. A smartphone may not have cellular reception in a gorge, and even a satellite communication device needs correct setup and battery. Do not rely on one map pin alone to describe a remote rescue location.

Earthquake safety: particularly important around Almaty

Almaty is in an active seismic zone, and other parts of Kazakhstan may experience earthquakes. When strong shaking begins, get low and protect the head and neck using suitable sturdy cover, away from windows, unsecured shelves and other falling objects. Do not rush down stairs or outside while shaking continues; falling glass and masonry can injure people.

After the shaking stops, check for injuries, damaged walls, broken utilities, falling facades and aftershocks. If a structure is unsafe or authorities order evacuation, take a safe route and remain away from damaged buildings. For someone seriously injured or trapped, call 112 or 103 as appropriate and give the last known exact location.

A building in Almaty that appears undamaged from the street may still need professional assessment after significant shaking. Do not declare it safe merely because other residents have re-entered. Current instructions from emergency services and qualified structural engineers take priority.

Winter road danger, snowstorms and extreme cold

Kazakhstan’s vast territory has long distances between towns, extreme cold and winter snow or ice that can close roads. Before travelling outside major cities, check current road conditions, vehicle fuel, water, suitable clothing, charge, a torch and a way to communicate in case of a breakdown. Do not drive around an official closure or attempt a route through severe blizzard conditions.

The UK’s travel advice warns that remote road fuel stations may be limited and service access can be difficult. A broken-down car in ordinary conditions may need roadside assistance, but passengers suffering severe cold exposure, breathing problems or another life-threatening danger should use emergency services. If stopped, give the route, direction, distance from the nearest town and the last known road marker.

Never run a petrol generator, charcoal grill or fuel-burning stove inside a closed vehicle, house or garage; carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. A prolonged outage may interrupt heating and medical equipment. Plan a safe alternative and check on people who cannot move independently.

Wildfires and steppe fires

Kazakhstan’s forests and grassland steppe may be affected by large fires during dry, windy weather. Report fire threatening houses, travellers or forest areas through 101 or 112, identifying the closest village, highway, forest or visible boundary. Do not approach flames or smoke to obtain photographs. High wind can carry fire rapidly across dry vegetation.

If local authorities direct evacuation, leave promptly by the designated route. Avoid driving through smoke, closed roads or burning fields to retrieve property. Keep essential medication, identification and mobility aids accessible when an evacuation is likely. A person with severe breathing difficulty or collapse after smoke exposure needs urgent medical care.

Summer heat, dehydration and altitude

Hot conditions may cause heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly among children, older people, outdoor workers and travellers unused to the climate. Move a symptomatic person to a cooler safe place, begin appropriate cooling and provide fluids only if awake and able to swallow safely. Severe confusion, collapse, seizure or abnormal breathing warrants urgent medical assessment on 103.

High-altitude travel may cause acute illness in susceptible people, with symptoms that can worsen when ascent continues. Do not dismiss severe breathlessness, confusion or collapse as ordinary tiredness. Follow qualified guidance about descent, oxygen or evacuation where appropriate, and contact emergency services during serious symptoms.

Current official alerts and road information

Kazakhstan’s government, Ministry of Emergency Situations and local authorities publish flood, fire and severe-weather notices. Some cities send regional SMS notifications in Kazakh and Russian, and road operators maintain websites for closures. A weather bulletin or local map is useful for planning, but an official evacuation or road closure instruction must be followed even when a general navigation app says the road is open.

The UK travel advisory notes that the QazAvtoJol road information service provides online updates, including English information, and that some local emergency alerts arrive on Kazakh mobile numbers in Kazakh or Russian. A visitor should have an accessible way to understand official messages. Reference: UK Kazakhstan transport and natural hazard guidance.

Psychological support and safeguarding

Kazakhstan’s national government introduction lists 150 for psychological support. This may be appropriate when someone needs emotional help, counselling or a specialist conversation rather than on-scene rescue. It should not delay a call to 103 if a person is medically critical or 102 when a person is being violently threatened.

In a serious crisis, safe communication matters. If a person is at risk of immediate physical harm, tell the emergency operator what is happening, where and whether someone nearby can assist. For protection or welfare concerns after the immediate danger, seek relevant qualified services through official government channels, not an invented generic hotline.

Useful Kazakh and Russian emergency phrases

Kazakh: ‘Көмектесіңіз!’ (Kömektesiñiz!) — Help!
Kazakh: ‘Маған жедел жәрдем керек.’ — I need an ambulance.
Kazakh: ‘Өрт!’ — Fire!
Kazakh: ‘Полиция шақырыңыз.’ — Call Police.
Russian: ‘Помогите!’ — Help!
Russian: ‘Мне нужна скорая помощь.’ — I need an ambulance.
Russian: ‘Пожар!’ — Fire!
Russian: ‘Адрес…’ — The address is…
English: ‘Please send an ambulance to this address.’ — State exact place and symptoms.

Kazakh and Russian are widely used; English-speaking operator availability may vary by locality and service. Keep the address in local spelling and ask a safe bilingual helper to relay an unfamiliar street or village if needed. Do not delay a life-saving call to achieve perfect pronunciation. Clear location and observable danger are the priority.

How to describe a location in Kazakhstan

Region and locality: oblys and city, town or village; include the district where useful.
Road and building: street name, house number, block, entrance and floor.
Apartment: apartment or unit number and a recognisable nearby landmark.
Remote road: highway number, travel direction, last settlement, road marker or service station.
Mountain: gorge, trail, lift, hut, pass, reservoir or verified GPS coordinates.
Flood: river, bridge, village, floor where people are trapped and the safest access.
Callback: working telephone number and any blocked road, weak mobile signal or severe weather.

A practical household and visitor safety checklist

Save 112 General Emergency, 101 Fire, 102 Police and 103 Ambulance with clear labels.
Add 104 Gas Emergency to a utility-specific contact list and keep regional 109 separately.
Write the home or hotel address in Kazakh or Russian, including floor, apartment and entrance.
Know the building’s fire exit, the safest outdoor meeting point and the nearest available AED.
Prepare for a prolonged outage with medicine, drinking water, shelf-stable food, appropriate warm clothing, flashlight and phone charging backup.
Before a road or mountain trip, check the route, closure notices, weather, fuel and expected return.
Plan how to assist children, older relatives, visitors and people dependent on electric medical equipment.
Understand current local flood, avalanche, earthquake and wildfire warnings and official evacuation directions.
Keep a family contact outside the risk zone and a way to communicate if ordinary networks fail.

Mistakes that delay help

Calling municipal 109 or national 1414 for an unconscious patient rather than 103 or 112.
Assuming the 109 municipal service has the same functions in every province.
Believing a smartphone’s location pin always identifies the exact building, floor and usable entrance.
Driving through unknown floodwater or ignoring a closed bridge to recover property.
Entering unstable avalanche or landslide terrain without training to attempt rescue.
Travelling into a winter blizzard without adequate fuel, water, warmth or a backup route.
Treating old weather forecasts as active all-clear notices in a mountain valley.
Delaying an ambulance call to locate an insurer or private hospital.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kazakhstan’s general emergency number?

112 is the national unified emergency and rescue number. Direct 101 firefighters, 102 Police and 103 ambulance numbers also remain available.

What is the ambulance number in Kazakhstan?

103 is the direct medical emergency number, confirmed by eGov and the UK Foreign Office.

Is 109 a national emergency rescue number?

No. It is used by various municipal and utility contact centres, and its functions vary by region. During immediate danger use the relevant 112, 101, 102 or 103 service.

What should I do if spring flooding threatens my home?

Follow official evacuation and road guidance early; never enter moving water or a flooded basement. Report trapped or critically injured people through emergency services, with precise location and accessible road.

Does 112 work in remote mountains without mobile coverage?

Not through an ordinary cellphone where no compatible cellular network is available. Remote travellers need a reliable prearranged communication and route plan.

What if an earthquake happens in Almaty?

Protect yourself from falling objects during shaking, assess damage afterwards and follow official evacuation instructions. Call 112 for rescue and 103 for urgent medical help.

Official Kazakhstan sources and related guides

Safety and editorial notice: This is general public guidance, not live dispatch or personal medical assessment. Road conditions, local utility contacts, official warnings and rescue capacity can differ by region. National government and travel sources checked 7 November 2026. For immediate danger in Kazakhstan, call 112, 101, 102 or 103 as appropriate.