Azerbaijan - Earthquake OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2000/0218
Azerbaijan - Earthquake
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
26 November 2000

1. A strong earthquake occurred on Saturday, 25 November 2000, near the coast of Azerbaijan, approximately 20 km east-southeast of Baku, capital of the country, situated on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, population approximately 1.5 million. According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake measured 6.3 on the Richter scale, with the epicentre situated at latitude 40.3 degrees north and longitude 50.1 degrees east. Its origin time was 22.10 hrs local time or 18.10 hrs GMT. This tremor was preceded by a magnitude 5.9 event about one and one-half minutes earlier and located in the same area. The tremor was also felt in the neighbouring Georgia and the southern Russian region of Dagestan. Weak aftershocks continue on 26 November.

2. No official report on casualties or the extent of damage caused by the earthquakes is available as of 26 November, 13.00 hrs GMT. However, initial media reports indicate that as many as 24 people may have been killed, three of whom died directly from injuries during the tremors and most of the deaths were from heart attacks brought about by the shock of the tremors. It is also reported that some buildings show cracks, although the earthquakes have caused little damage to Baku. Telephone communications have been disrupted and gas supply to the city has been cut as a precaution. 11 people have been reportedly injured in Baku and more than 50 people injured have been treated in the Caucasus region. No damage to the infrastructure in the state oil company has been reported.

3. The Government of Azerbaijan held an emergency session after the earthquake and the Deputy Prime Minister was quoted on television as saying there was no significant damage to Baku.

4. OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Baku, Azerbaijan and will revert with further information if the situation warrants it.

5. No request for international assistance has been received by OCHA to date.

6. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int

Telephone: +41-22-917 12 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officer: Mr. Sergio Piazzi, Mr. Dusan Zupka
Direct Tel. +41-22-917 2461

Press contact: (in GVA) Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53 - (in N.Y.) Ms. Phyllis Lee, direct Tel. +1-212-963 48 32