UNICEF Tajikistan Humanitarian Situation Brief No. 1 - 08 December 2015
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As the result of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Gorno-Badakhshan on December 7, at least two persons have been trapped and killed under rock-falls and ten injured according to Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan.
Although the potential risk of structural outburst of Lake Sarez, 20 km away from epicenter, has been assessed as low at this stage, the situation requires close monitoring.
Several unconfirmed reports of a number of damages to households in the communities near the epicenter.
Geographic complexities of the area coupled with rockfalls may impede access to the affected communities.
Shelter, NFI, health, food, and WASH may be the sectors of concern depending on the extent of damage caused.
82 km of road completely blocked by stones and landslides.
Two schools in Bartang valley sustained different levels of damages.
The Government has indicated the intention to use intact schools as temporary shelter for displaced people. Advocacy and coordination are needed with the local authorities to limit the disruption of the education activities for children.
SITUATION IN NUMBERS
More than 500 houses are reported to have been damaged (419 houses in Rushon district and 8 houses in Vanj district and the rest in Murghob district);
At least 2 people were killed, 10 injured. Over 70,000 people live in the 3 affected districts, out of which 5,300 are children below 5 and 1,680 are pregnant women. UNICEF is assessing the exact number of children affected by the earthquake.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
Government and humanitarian actors present in the field (FOCUS, ACTED and Red-Crescent Society and others) are conducting initial assessments of potential damage in the affected sites that are currently accessible. Still 82 km of road is blocked, which hinders the access to affected villages and communities.
According to the Government’s update, immediate needs are winterized tents (yurts), food supplies and fuel for road and debris clearance. Lake Sarez safety assessment conducted by national experts together with World Bank experts concluded that there is no significant risk related with the dam so far.
Estimated Affected Population
More than 500 houses are reported to have been damaged (419 houses in Rushon district, 8 houses in Vanj district, and the rest in Murghob). While more precise information on the number of affected population will be made available after an initial assessment, over 70,000 people live in these three affected districts. Out of this, more than 5,300 are children below 5 and 1,680 are pregnant women. In Bartang valley in Rushon district, an isolated and hard to reach area close to the epicenter, there is a population of 8,000. UNICEF is still assessing the exact number of children affected by the earthquake.