MES skips nationwide siren test to avoid disrupting school celebrations

Tengrinews.kz - Emergency sirens that were expected to sound across Kazakhstan at 9:00 a.m. on May 22 were deliberately kept silent to avoid disturbing end-of-school-year celebrations, the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) explained.
As part of the national emergency drill Ört-2025 (“Fire-2025”), a test of the public alert system was conducted, which typically includes the activation of loud warning sirens.

"However, due to events marking the end of the academic year and the 'Last Bell' celebrations in schools, it was decided to carry out the test in silent mode to preserve the festive atmosphere and avoid causing unnecessary concern among the public," the ministry said.

The Ört-2025 drill, taking place from May 22 to 23, is aimed at testing the readiness of emergency services to respond to wildfires.
Earlier, authorities had announced that all warning sirens nationwide would be activated at 9:00 a.m. as part of the alert system check, urging citizens to remain calm and not panic.