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What happened, where and when?
On 23 March 2023, two earthquakes were registered on the territory of Tajikistan. The first one occurred at 1:07 local time. The epicenter of the earthquake was registered 6-7 km away from Paldorak village, Langar rural jamoat of Kuhistoni Mastchoh district of Sughd Region. The intensity of the first tremors was of 5 to 6 magnitude in the aforementioned districts, 4 to 5 magnitude in Rasht district, and 3 to 4 magnitude as measured in Dushanbe city.
The second earthquake occurred at a depth of 40 km at 07:53 local time, with a magnitude of 4.8. In Dushanbe, the intensity of the tremors was 1 to 2 magnitudes and a tremor of 2 magnitudes struck Rasht district. According to preliminary information, no deaths were reported, however, three residents of the Kuhistoni Mastchoh district were injured.
Scope and Scale
On 28 March 2023, the Tajikistan Governmental Commission identified the scale of damages and losses, which included 318 damaged houses in Kuhistoni Mashoh district of Sughd province. All damaged properties were inspected by the Emergency Situations Commission in Paldorak, Yarm, and Pakshif villages of Langar rural jamoat of Kuhistoni Mashoh district.
The distribution of damaged houses was as follows:
- 165 houses were damaged in Paldorak village;
- Pakshif village reported 49 damaged houses;
- Yarm village documented 23 damaged houses;
- 11 damaged houses were identified in Dashti Miyona, 18 in Dehmanoro, 44 in Rogh, 7 in Samjon, and 1 in Khudqifi Bolo, all due to the earthquake.
The earthquake furthermore resulted in the destruction of numerous cattle sheds, leading to a significant loss of both large and small livestock (18 large cattle, 27 small cattle, and two horses).
Furthermore, the earthquake inflicted damage upon a 750-meter irrigation canal, which significantly increased the vulnerability of the local population engaged in agriculture. This canal also served as a source of drinking water. Since the canal was damaged, affected individuals have been compelled to travel long distances to access water for their needs.