President Emomali Rahmon has instructed the government commission to provide an updated list of families affected by the earthquake in Rasht and Tojikobod districts for the provision of one-time material assistance. The state-run insurance company, Tojiksughurta, has been tasked with paying this assistance to each affected family, regardless of whether they have an insurance contract, the Tajik president’s official website reports.
Presided over by President Emomali Rahmon, who is also the Head of the Government, an extraordinary government meeting took place on April 17.
Speaking at the meeting, the head of state also ordered the allocation of land plots in safe areas for families whose homes were damaged, for the construction of new housing. Projects for four- and two-room houses for the affected families must be developed in the shortest possible time, taking into account seismic building standards.
The authorities of Rasht and Tajikabad districts were instructed to complete the construction of new houses for families whose homes were completely destroyed, along with the necessary infrastructure, by November 1 of this year.
The head of the government commission for eliminating the consequences of the disaster, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Sulaimon Ziyozoda, and the heads of Rasht and Tojikobod districts reported to Emomali Rahmon on the damage caused by the earthquake and the organization of recovery efforts.
According to updated data, a three-year-old child died in the earthquake, and 16 people sustained bodily injuries. Sixty-five residential buildings were completely destroyed, 193 others were partially destroyed, and 150 residential buildings received minor damage. Additionally, 193 auxiliary buildings, 1 regional hospital, 2 medical points, 8 schools, and other facilities were damaged.
After the report from the responsible officials, the president instructed the government commission and the heads of the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive study of the consequences of the earthquake and submit proposals for seismic-resistant construction in the affected area. He also ordered an assessment of the damage, including the condition of the affected buildings and structures, and emphasized that the consequences of the disaster should be eliminated as quickly as possible.
Rahmon also ordered the allocation of necessary construction materials, food, and essential items for the affected population in the area. Once the materials are received, "jointly with generous and patriotic people of the country, measures should be taken to organize construction work through the 'hashar' method and to rebuild the destroyed homes."
"Generous people, including those who spend significant amounts on Hajj and Umrah, were called upon to direct part of their donations and charitable assistance to support those affected by this and other natural disasters," the president’s press service reported.
The head of state reportedly also demanded that measures be taken to quickly restore the educational process, provide timely medical care for those who have been injured, strictly monitor the sanitary-epidemiological situation, and ensure the timely provision of medications to the residents of Rasht and Tojikobod.
"The activities of educational institutions and the process of education and upbringing of students, including in temporary shelters, must continue without obstacles," he said.
The relevant ministries and agencies were instructed to establish cooperation with international organizations and development partners to attract additional assistance for the elimination of the consequences of the earthquake.
Control over the implementation of instructions and orders to eliminate the consequences of the earthquake in the Rasht region (northeastern Tajikistan) has been entrusted to the Prime Minister of Tajikistan.
