Tajikistan earthquake killed five people, dozens of houses destroyed

An earthquake struck at Tajikistan 27km (17 miles) east of Rasht district on Saturday July 10th at 7:14 am (02:14 GMT). The earthquake magnitude was 5.9 and the temblor was also felt in the capital, Dushanbe, approximately 165 km (100 miles) southwest of the epicenter.

The Tajik committee which is authorized for emergency situations announced that “Dozens of houses were destroyed” and “Power lines were also partly damaged” in three villages near the district of Tajikabad.

The death of at least five people has been reported in these villages, according to authorities in the mountainous country.

Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon ordered a commission of inquiry headed by the prime minister, Russian media reported.