Highlights
At least two people have been trapped and killed under the rock-falls, while more than 10 injured.
As ongoing Government assessment results unfold, at least 500 houses are reported as partially damaged.
More than 14 villages located in Darvoz, Murghob, Rushon, Shugnon and Vanj districts are affected.
Three school buildings in Shugnon district have been damaged and are not safe for further use.
Detailed damage and needs assessment is ongoing by State Commission of Emergencies led by Deputy Prime Minister complemented by international partners operating in GBAO.
Geographic complexities of the area coupled with rock-falls may impede accessing the affected communities.
Tajik Hydromet forecasts drop of daily temperatures by 10-15 degrees Celsius countrywide for 9-10 December, which may create additional impediments accessing the affected communities.
Severe weather conditions imply winterized shelter and food are priority needs of affected communities for immediate response
Situation Overview
A 7.2 Magnitude earthquake occurred in Murghob district of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) at around 12.50 local time on 7 December 2015. At least 15 aftershocks of below 5 Magnitude have been recorded as of 8 December in Murghob district near the epicenter. Two people have been trapped under rock-falls and consequently killed according to reports from the Committee of Emergency Situations. Another 10 have sustained injuries with three considered as severely injured.
Late evening of 7 December, Government formed a State Commission for Emergency Situations led by Deputy Prime Minister. The Commission is conducting a rapid damage and needs assessment in the affected areas. Initial results of the assessment confirm at least 500 houses are damaged and unstable for further use across several districts of GBAO. The report also suggests that a number of families in Basid and Savnob villages of Rushon district have moved out of their houses to safer areas amidst fear of further aftershocks.
The President of the country ordered the Prime Minister, State Commission, as well provincial and district level authorities to take all necessary actions to address immediate relief needs of the affected communities. The Deputy Prime Minister called for a Government, UN, NGO, and donor meeting on 8 December to brief the humanitarian partners on the impact of the earthquake.
Tajik Hydrometeorological agency issued forecast of approaching cold wave that could result in dropping of temperatures by up to 10-15 Degree Celsius countrywide and consequent snowfalls. Severe weather conditions put additional impediments reaching to affected communities, while compounding the vulnerability of these communities.
The REACT Secretariat is in close communication with Government, local authorities and humanitarian partners operating in Gorno-Badakhshan to obtain information. Depending on confirmed information on the severity of damage and humanitarian needs, REACT may call for an extra-ordinary meeting to take a decision for a quick joint MultiSector Initial Rapid Assessment that could be deployed immediately, but no later than 10 December 2015.