Azerbaijan, Baku, May 10 / Trend M. Aliyev /
An earthquake took place today severely damaging houses in Zagatala, the Azerbaijani Minister of Emergency Situations Kamaladdin Heydarov told media today.
"Today's earthquake caused more damage to the houses who had already been hit by previous tremors," the Minister said. He added that the full scale of destruction is still being determined.
Heydarov said that about 20 million manat has been allocated to render first aid to people left without a home.
"Perhaps, additional funds will be allocated for the construction of new houses and social facilities," the Minister said.
According to yesterday's information, about 3000 houses, 124 social facilities were destroyed and there is a state of emergency in Zagatala region, he said. There are no reports of casualties.
Heydarov added that at present, a special committee continues to determine the scope of the destruction.
"All the families whose houses were damaged will receive tents tonight. Food and clothing are to be given to children. This work continues. The first two days the people were very upset but in any case, people do understand everything. This is a serious disaster. Medical personnel and rescue teams are working in the area."
The amount required to repair the damaged houses and construct new ones will be determined in the coming days, he said.
"At present, the commission is calculating how many houses and other buildings have been destroyed or damaged and the funds necessary to eliminate the consequences of the earthquake," he said. "Approximate figures will be published within a few days."
The earthquake occurred in Zagatala region on Thursday morning, at 06:34. Zagatala is in the north-west of Azerbaijan, 430 kilometres from Baku. It measured 4 on the Richter scale at its epicentre, 13 km south of Zagatala.
The earthquake measured 3.5 points and was felt in the regional centre and 2 to 2.5 points in the areas close to the epicentre. There are no casualties so far.
The earthquake measuring seven occurred in Zagatala at 09:40 on May 7. Eight small tremors occurred. The minister said that one person died as a result of flooding in Shamakhi region.
"The ministry's rescuers saved 18 people," the minister said. "Residential houses in the area were not damaged."