President Emomali Rahmon had phone talks with the heads of two districts to learn how the reconstruction of homes and infrastructure damaged by the earthquake is progressing.

The Tajik president’s official website says the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon instructed the heads of Rasht and Tojikobod districts to accelerate the restoration of homes and other facilities destroyed by the earthquake, and to “use every inch of arable land” for effective spring sowing.

During phone talks held on May 5 with the heads of Rasht district, Ms. Zarina Idizoda, and Tojikobod district, Qadriddin Faqerzoda, the head of state emphasized that special attention “should be paid to planting potatoes, known as the ‘second bread,’ to ensure a bountiful harvest of this root crop,” according to the Tajik president’s official website.

The district heads reportedly informed Emomali Rahmon that efforts to eliminate the consequences of the April 13 earthquake are underway in all areas, including the restoration of residential buildings and other damaged infrastructure.  Collective construction of new homes and public facilities is also ongoing.  It was noted that the restoration and construction work is progressing according to plan, with the involvement of rescuers and military personnel.

The president stressed that the work must be completed both quickly and with high quality, prioritizing the creation of normal living conditions for the affected population.

According to the press center of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan (MoHSPP), health care facilities are currently being built and repaired in the affected areas: medical centers in the villages of Zarangak and Khijborak in Rasht district, as well as a hospital and health center in Langari Shoh, and a medical center in the village of Ghulomon in Tojikobod district.

The earthquake measuring 5.0–6.0 on Richter scale occurred on the morning of April 13.  Its epicenter was located in the Rasht district. As a result of the earthquake, a three-year-old child died and 16 people were injured.  Sixty-five homes were destroyed completely, 193 were partially damaged, and another 150 received minor damage.  Additionally, 193 auxiliary structures, one regional hospital, two medical centers, eight public schools, and other facilities were affected.