26 Jul 2011

Central Asia Earthquake kills 13

At least 13 people in Uzbekistan have been killed in a 6.1-magnitude earthquake centred in Kyrgyzstan near the two countries' border.

"As a result of the earthquake, some old buildings were destroyed in the Ferghana region," the Uzbek ministry said in a statement.
"According to initial information, 13 people were killed as a result of the damage to the houses."
Ferghana resident Dilaffrus Muminova told Reuters news agency the earthquake had lasted for about three minutes.
"Everybody was afraid. Everything was shaking."
A resident of the Kyrgyz city of Batken - who wanted to be known only by his first name of Ismat - said cracks were visible in the walls of some houses.
"People were on the streets all night. There was a lot of panic."
Uzbek President Islam Karimov has ordered officials to the region to inspect the damage, as have the Kyrgyz authorities.
"It's clear that there will be damage, the earthquake was just too strong," said Kyrgyz government seismologist Kanat Abdrakhmatov.
The Ferghana valley is split between Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, and is one of Central Asia's most densely populated areas. Reuters said tremors were felt across the region.
Central Asia has a history of earthquakes.

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