ReliefWeb

Several sources have reported to DHA-UNDRO on a major earthquake which occurred in Kyrgyzstan on 18 August 1992 at 02:04 GMT. Information received so far differs re location and magnitude. Affected area is near Kyrgyzstan/Chinese border and magnitude has been computed between 6.5 and 7.5 Richter scale. (UN DHA, 19 Aug 1992)

Following a series of natural disasters in May (floods, landslides and earthquake - see DHA-UNDRO's appeal of 22.5.92), damage of which has not yet been repaired, another earthquake (strongest in many years) hit same and even more regions in August. Total material damage to agriculture and national economy could be compared to consequences of 1988 earthquake in Armenia. 54 persons dead/missing. Over 100 injured. Damaged/destroyed houses: Dshalal-Abad region (affected in May) 11,459/9,409. Naryn region 3,780/650. Talas region 2,817/787. Considerable damage caused to electrical transmission lines, roads. Tens of thousands hectares cultivated land badly affected (51,440 hectares already affected by may disaster). Total damage estimated at 20 billion Roubles (approx. USD 130 million). (UN DHA, 26 Aug 1992)