AKIPRESS.COM - A powerful earthquake occurred at 00:09 on January 23 in Kyrgyzstan. The epicenter of the magnitude 8 earthquake was located in China near the border with Kyrgyzstan, according to the Seismology Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations provided several recommendations on what to do in case of an earthquake:

• Take essential items such as phone and documents and go outside within 10 seconds.
• Go outside within 10-15 seconds after the initial shock if you're on the first floor of the building.
• Stay inside and find the safest place in the room (a corner, under a table, etc.) if you're on the second floor. Never jump out of the window!
• If you are outside, stay away from unstable structures and small collapsible buildings.
• Move to open spaces and try to stay away from billboards, stalls, and bus stops.
• Tremors with a magnitude of 1-3 points will go unnoticed. An earthquake with a magnitude above 4 points will cause damage.
• Predicting the occurrence of an earthquake is impossible. Eve Japan, where the most earthquakes are registered, cannot predict. 
• However, before an earthquake, freely placed items shake, and lights begin to flicker. If such things appear, take necessary items immediately and head to a safe place.
• Never use an elevator during an earthquake or fire. It is essential to go down on stairs.
• When leaving the building, turn off all sources of electricity and gas and shut off water pipes.