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Kyrgyzstan: Earthquake - Jan 1997

Disaster description

An earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale hit the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic on 9 January 1997 at 14:35 UTC. The preliminary epicenter is located at latitude 41.4 N and longitude 074.20 E, some 200 km South of Bishkek. [...] Epicenter located in the Ak-Tala district in Naryn region. Most affected villages are Kosh-Dyube and Dzhergetal, which have a total population of 3200 persons. While no casualties have been registered, the local power supply system has been destroyed, more than 400 houses damaged and 10 completely destroyed. The school of Kosh-Dyube, serving 360 pupils, and the local hospital have been seriously damaged. (UN DHA, 13 Jan 1997)

Further to the earthquake which hit the Naryn region of the Kyrgyz Republic on 9 January 1997, a UN Disaster Management Team, composed of the UNICEF and World Bank Representatives, visited the area of Kosh-Dyube and Dzhergetal with national relief officials. They reported the following information on the damage and relief needs: The housing sector had proven to be the most affected with more than 400 houses damaged. Power supply and telephone lines had been demolished for several kilometers. Preliminary assessment estimated material damage in excess of USD 2 million. In spite of the assistance being provided by the Kyrgyz Government, which mobilized all its efforts to help the victims of this disaster, the conditions of the local population were aggravated by lack of fuel and electricity. At the time of the assessment, children had resumed schooling in tents with no heating. (UN DHA, 16 Jan 1997)

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