Tajikistan Vanj Earthquake Situation Report #2

This report was issued by the OCHA sub-regional Office for Central Asia, based on information provided by the Tajik disaster management coordination system (REACT) and the UN Resident Coordinator Office. It covers the period from 5 to 8 January 2010. The next report will be issued on or around 12 January.

I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES

- Tents, kitchen sets, hygiene sets, fuel, food, medicines and heaters are urgently needed;

- The Government of Tajikistan has allocated land for the reconstruction of houses and is requesting assistance with construction materials;

II. Situation Overview

An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck Vanj district (38.247=B0N, 71.495=B0E) on January 2, 2010 at around 7:15 am. Some 20 villages in two Jamoats have been affected. The epicenter was close to Vanj, the district centre.

The region has been experiencing a series of small tremours and aftershocks, some of which are further damaging previously affected buildings and increasing fears among the population living in these houses.

The total number of destroyed houses has increased to 140 (980 residents), while 958 houses (6706 residents) are considered partially destroyed. In addition, one health post has been completely destroyed and five others, still functioning, have been damaged. Three schools have been damaged as well as 30 administrative buildings previously used for social services. Displaced individuals are currently being sheltered in neighboring Mosques, schools or with neighbors.

Temperatures in the affected area fluctuate between -9 during the day and -24 degrees Celsius at night.