On 22 July, UNHCR provided 250 lightweight tents to people in Batken and Osh provinces affected by the earthquake. It is expected that more than 2,000 people will receive these tents as a response to the request for assistance of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic.

“I strongly believe that the support provided by UNHCR to more than 300 families will help them to overcome the consequences of the earthquake and UNHCR would like to convey that it will continue working together with the Government of Kyrgyzstan on the emergency preparedness response” – Mr. Mahir Safaril, Acting Representative of UNHCR in Kyrgyzstan.

UNHCR assistance is a part of an inter-agency response closely coordinated with the Ministry of the Emergency Situation of the Kyrgyz Republic, which is providing immediate assistance and relief on the ground.

According to Kyrgyz government sources, the earthquake left hundreds of people without shelter. Some 15 people were seriously injured. Close to thousand of private houses and public facilities were seriously damaged in Batken and Osh provinces and need to be rehabilitated as soon as possible. Parts of the areas damaged by the earthquake were affected by the June 2010 mass violence and the peace building process is just taking on a positive pace.  

The earthquake hit Southern Kyrgyzstan and the whole Ferghana Valley, covering parts of the three countries – Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan - on 20 July at 1.35 a.m. The epicenter of the magnitude 8 earthquake was 52 kilometers to the east of Batken town.

For further information on this topic, please contact: Ms. Nazgul Shabdanbekova, PI Associate, , +996 775 989969