Emergency Preparedness
This page is intended to assist U.S. citizens in Uzbekistan to better prepare for emergency situations caused by natural disasters or other crises. It aims to be a useful source of information about to help you prepare for and know what do during such emergencies.
Uzbekistan is a zone of high seismic activity. The most notable earthquake in the country's history was the Tashkent earthquake of 1966, which, despite the relatively low 5.2 point magnitude in Richter scale, caused significant damage. Since 1966, Uzbekistan has experienced multiple earthquakes of stronger degree. The most recent, on July 21, 2011, took 13 lives in the Ferghana valley of the Republic and measured a magnitude of 6.1. It is, therefore, essential to be prepared for an earthquake and know the proper actions recommended during this natural disaster.
The collection of sources listed below provides a comprehensive guide to earthquake preparedness. Most of the links also provide general advice on emergency response in a variety of disasters and situations. Please review them to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones in an emergency.
In case of an emergency, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy will do everything in its power to assist U.S. citizens in Uzbekistan. If your family needs to contact you because of an emergency at home or because they are worried about your welfare and cannot reach you directly, they may call the State Department's Citizens Emergency Center at (202) 647-5225. The State Department will relay the message to the U.S. Consular Section nearest you. The American Citizen Services Unit will attempt to locate you, pass on urgent messages, and, consistent with the Privacy Act, report back to your family. Therefore, your first step to emergency preparedness is enrolling in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
If you are caught in a natural disaster or civil disturbance here in Uzbekistan, you should let your relatives know as soon as possible that you are safe. You may contact the American Citizen Services Unit, which will try to pass a message to your family through the State Department. The telephone number +99871-120-54-50 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for such emergency calls. Be resourceful. U.S. officials will do everything they can to contact and advise you. However, they must give priority to helping Americans who have been hurt or are in immediate danger. In a disaster, consular officers face the same constraints you do — lack of electricity or fuel, interrupted telephone lines, closed airports, etc. You should monitor news reports and contact the Embassy to find out if an advisory has been issued.
General Emergency Preparedness
The most comprehensive guide to emergency services available to U.S. citizens from the State Department is listed on travel.state.gov.
Are you ready? - FEMA’s in-depth guide to emergency preparedness. Addresses manmade (terrorism, chemical/biological warfare) as well as natural threats. Includes information about making a disaster kit, with food, water and other essential supplies.
Department of State Country Specific Information on Uzbekistan – includes security and hazard-related information.
Earthquake preparedness