Illustration: AI
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations has issued no warnings of an internet shutdown on November 17 or widespread cyberattacks. Nor has it urged people to urgently stock up on food, water and medicines because of such a threat. The advice to keep 72 hours of supplies at home is part of general emergency preparedness (kursiv.media).
What happened
Messages about a “digital apocalypse” on November 17 are circulating on social media. Their authors warn of widespread disruptions but offer no evidence.
Responding to an inquiry from Kursiv, the ministry said it had issued no official warnings about such a scenario. Calls to urgently stock up because of a supposed internet shutdown did not come from the ministry either.
What this means
An internet shutdown does not in itself mean that telephone service will be lost, the ministry explained. Calls to emergency services on 112 may still be possible if operators’ networks remain operational.
The availability of emergency calls therefore depends on the state of telephone networks. If phone service is working, people should call 112 for help in an emergency.
Why keep 72 hours of supplies
The ministry advises people to always keep drinking water, long-life food, a first-aid kit and essential medicines at home. The list also includes a flashlight, chargers, documents and cash. Ideally, supplies should last 72 hours — or three days.
This is a general measure to prepare for natural and human-caused emergencies. The advice is unrelated to the rumours about November 17.
“It is unrelated to the messages circulating about a supposed internet shutdown and does not indicate an immediate threat,” the ministry stressed.
The ministry urged people in Kazakhstan not to panic or share unverified messages. Keeping three days of supplies at home remains standard emergency preparedness advice.
