Tajikistan earthquake destroys 94 homes, claims life of a child

The Committee for Emergency Situations of Tajikistan has confirmed that a powerful earthquake on April 13 has caused significant damage across two districts in the country, leaving 94 residential homes completely destroyed and claiming the life of a child.

In the Rasht district, 40 homes were entirely flattened, while five houses suffered partial damage. Additional structures, including three teahouses and one auxiliary school facility, were also destroyed in the village of Gulkhani. Tragically, a minor from the village of Ushturpasta was killed in the disaster, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

In the Tajikabad district, the earthquake’s impact was equally severe. 54 homes were completely destroyed, 45 partially damaged, and a further 61 houses, alongside two secondary school buildings, sustained minor damage. A staggering 196 auxiliary structures were rendered unusable, while a medical facility and three teahouses were partially damaged. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in Tajikabad.

In response to the catastrophe, President Emomali Rahmon has issued an order to establish a national commission to oversee recovery efforts. The commission, led by Deputy Prime Minister Sulaimon Ziyozoda, is currently on-site conducting damage assessments and coordinating immediate relief operations.

On April 13, 2025, Tajikistan experienced a series of significant earthquakes, with the most powerful measuring 6.4 in magnitude. The tremors affected multiple countries across Asia within a span of two hours. ​

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 16 kilometers, as reported by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The epicenter was located approximately 170 kilometers south of Khujand, near the Rasht District.

By Khagan Isayev