OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Georgia - Earthquake
26 April 2002


This report has been compiled on the basis of information provided by the
Georgian Government's Department of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense
(DESCD), the Special Governmental Commission of the National Security
Council, and the National Seismology Service.


Background

1. An earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale occurred in the
Tbilisi area, the capital of Georgia, on Thursday 25 April 2002 at
17:41:24 UTC at 41.80N 44.79E at a depth of 33.0 kilometer. The epicenter
was 10-12 km from Tbilisi.  Several lower level earthquakes have occurred
in the Tbilisi area in recent weeks.


Current Situation

2.  While no buildings are reported as having collapsed, some buildings
are ruined or heavily damaged, mainly in the old part of the city.
Electricity was cut in some parts of the city, but restored within three
hours.  Water supply systems have been damaged in two parts of the city,
and are expected to be functional today.  Special Assessment Teams are
evaluating the damage to infrastructure, and a consolidated report will be
presented on Saturday.

3. A total of four persons are reported dead, three reportedly from
falling debris, and one from a heart attack.  Approximately thirty persons
were treated for injuries, of whom twenty have been released from the
hospitals, while three remain in critical condition.

4.  As announced by the Mayor of Tbilisi, the first priority is to provide
temporary shelter for those affected (the precise number of affected has
not been determined yet).

5.  All mobile and landline phones were out of order for hours after the
earthquake, due presumably to overloading.  Initial television reports
probably overestimated the scale of the impact, but better quality
information is now being disseminated via radio and television, including
via the DESCD press center.

6.  At present, the situation is being addressed with locally available
resources.  On 27 April, the Special Assessment Teams will submit the
information on the damaged buildings, number of injured and affected
people to the President.  Based on the information received, the President
is expected to indicate whether the international assistance is required.


National and International Response


7.  The Special Governmental Commission has been activated to provide
overall Government coordination.  The State Minister, Mr.  Avtandil
Jorbenadze, serves as acting head of the Commission.  Operational
coordination is being provided by the DESCD.

8.  A 24-hour emergency duty station operates in the Mayor's office for
citizens to seek assistance. Within 3-4 hours the Ministry of
Communication announced hotlines for the population to pass on the
information to a duty officer at the Mayor's office.

9.  Local police is patrolling the city to ensure security. DESCD rescue
teams were sent to those parts of the city that seemed to be damaged.

10.  As reported by the State Chancellery (President's Administration),
Russia, as well as some other countries have offered assistance.
However, the decision on the request for international assistance will be
made by the President on 27 April.

11.  OCHA is in close contact with the United Nations Office in Georgia
and will revert with further information, as it becomes available.

12. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing
emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at
http://www.reliefweb.int.


Telephone: +41-22-917 12 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officer:
  Mr. Anvar Munavvarov, Direct Tel. +41-22-917 1669

Press contact:
  (GVA)  Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 56
  (NYC)  Mr. Tullio Santini, direct Tel. +1-212-963-0470


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