Mudslides, Floods Hit Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan

DUSHANBE -- Mudslides and floods caused by rains and melting glaciers destroyed almost 60 houses, trade and cultural facilities, electricity lines, and an irrigation system in Tajikistan's eastern region of Gorno-Badakhshan over the last few days.

The latest mudslide on July 19 cut the flow of the Gund River and damaged some parts of a local village. The operations of two local power plants were suspended as a result of the floods.

Gorno-Badakhshan Governor Rahmonkul Rahmonkulov said on July 20 that the families whose houses were destroyed were moved to a safer area and settled in a temporary tent camp.

He also said that damage caused by the mudslides and floods is estimated at $3 million.

No casualties were reported.

A state commission led by Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda has been working in the region.

With reporting by Asia Plus