DUSHANBE, August 14, Asia-Plus - The government of Tajikistan jointly with the international community continue undertaking measures to meet the urgent needs of the affected population after the devastating earthquake, which struck the Qumsangir district, Khatlon province on July 29.

According to information from the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), a number of administrative and residential buildings destroyed or partially damaged by the tremors has increased.  The MES source says that according to updated data provided by National Emergency Commission working in the site of the earthquake by August 13, 971 administrative and residential buildings were destroyed completely and another 1,441 buildings were damaged partially by the devastating earthquake that struck the Qumsangir district on July 29.  The National Emergency Commission, established by the government on July 30, has continued with the damage assessment.

Emergency relief effort in the Qumsangir district continues, according to the MES source.  “Last week, the Sughd province sent to the district 200 electrical stoves, 300 meters of water pipes, 15 tons of cement, 100 blankets and other relief supplies,” said the Asia-Plus interlocutor, “Besides, Sughd sent 2,800 tons of wheat flour, more than a ton of noodles, and1.5 tons of onions to Qumsangir for the disaster-affected population.” 

Mosques in Qumsangir and Farkhor district have also sent 300 Somonis, 100 liters of vegetable oil, 4,100 loafs and 20 kilograms of tea to Qumsangir.   

“Different enterprises and organizations have sent to Qumsangir 58 various machines, including bulldozers and tractors, for carry out rehabilitation works there,” the MES source said.  

Estimated quake damage cost is reported to be more than 60 million Somonis. 

As it had been reported earlier, two quakes shook southern Tajikistan on July 29, at 5:12 a.m. and 3:57 p.m.  Three people were killed and at least 20 others were injured in those quakes.