DUSHANBE, February 21 (Itar-Tass) - Tajikistan estimated damage from snowfalls and avalanches at over three million US dollars, Tass learnt on Monday from First Deputy Minister for Emergencies Abdurakhim Radzhabov who noted that 12 people fell victims of the foul weather that was raging for over two weeks in the republic.
According to Radzhabov, over half of the country - the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, the Eastern and Southeastern regions - turned to be in the zone of snowstorms. Several hundreds of avalanches rushed down on villages and highways from mountains over the two weeks of snowfalls. More than 500 dwelling houses, out of which 100-120 were flattened, turned to be unsuitable for life. Dozens of schools, hospitals and other socially important projects were damaged.
Over 4,000 people were evacuated from some mountain villages, since there is a danger of new avalanches and stone falls. They were temporarily accommodated at administrative buildings, mosques, while some of them found shelter with their relatives and acquaintances.