Kyrgyzstan: Osh Earthquake OCHA Situation Report No. 1

This report is based on information provided by the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan.

Situation

1. On January 1, 2008 at 06.32 UTC (12.32 PM at the epicentre) an earthquake of magnitude 5.6 occurred in the South of Kyrgyzstan (40.346=B0N, 72.939=B0E), in a remote area some 30 kilometres from the city of Osh . The depth of the earthquake was reported at 37.5 km. The Kyrgyzstan National Institute of Seismology reported the same incident as magnitude 6.5 on the Richter scale.

2. Earlier, on 26 December 2007, an earthquake of magnitude 5.3 and depth 46 km was recorded at approximately the same location .

Damage and needs

3. The combination of the two earthquakes soon after each other has caused damage to houses and public infrastructure. According to an assessment by the Ministry:

- 4 private houses have been completely destroyed;

- 2 secondary schools, for 380 and 337 students respectively, have been severely damaged and are considered unsafe;

- 167 private houses and 6 multi-story buildings were damaged and are considered unsafe, and;

- 36 private houses require complete refurbishment.

4. According to the Ministry's assessment, 500 families (approximately 3,000 people) have been displaced as a result and require humanitarian assistance.

Response provided and outstanding needs

5. The Ministry of Emergencies has provided temporary shelter in summer tents for most of the affected population, but is urgently requesting an additional 500 winterized tents and 500 heating devises to protect the affected population against the harsh winter climate. In addition, they have requested assistance with 15,500 liters of petrol, oil and lubricants to transport the relief items to the affected population.

6.

Coordination arrangements

7. The Ministry has organized a meeting with members of the international community for 15.00 on 3 January, 2008.

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

Map: Kyrgyzstan: Osh Earthquake - Location Map

Telephone:
+41-22-917 12 34
Fax:+41-22-917-0023
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only:
Tel. +41-22-917-2010

OCHA office in Almaty:
Ms. Gabriella Waaijman
+7 727 2528 643
+7 7777 809 071

Mr. Ali Buzurukov
+ 7 727 2528 643
+7 7777 809 073

Desk Officers/Focal Points:
Ms. Myrtia Murgia (New York)
Direct Tel. +1 917 367 4246

Ms. Severine Rey (New York)
Direct Tel. + 1 917 367 5336

Ms.AoibheannO'Keeffe (Geneva)
Direct Tel. + 41 22 917 4329

Press contact: (Geneva)
Ms. Elizabeth Byrs
Direct Tel. +41-22-917-2653

(New York)
Ms. Stephanie Bunker
Direct Tel. +1-212-963-8740