DUSHANBE, July 17, 2012, Asia-Plus – Twenty-five persons were killed by natural disasters that hit Tajikistan in the first half-year of this year, Khayriddin Abdurahimov, head of the Committee for Emergency Situations (CES) under the Government of Tajikistan, announced at a news conference in Dushanbe  on July 17.

“In all, 280 natural disasters have been reported in the country over the first six months of this year,” said Abdurahimov.  “835 houses have been affected by natural disasters over the report period.  204 houses were destroyed to the extent of being unsuitable for living while 631 houses were partially affected and are in need of repair.”

According to him, a total damage caused by the disasters to Tajikistan over the same six-month period has been estimated at more than 57.7 million somoni.

Over the report period, the CES rescue teams have reportedly carried out 272 search-and-rescue operations and 834 people have been rescued.