WORLD
State of emergency imposed on Tuva
Baku, December 28 (AZERTAC). The magnitude of the earthquake that rocked the Tuva Republic on Tuesday was 9.5 points on the Richter scale, Russian Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu announced at the video conference. "There has been no such a powerful seismic event measuring 9.5 pointa in Tuva in the entire history of seisimic monitoring," Shoigu recalled. The Minister set the task of taking all measures to prevent possible negative aftermath in the event of repeat quakes. "All personnel of the Siberian regional center of the RME of central jurisdiction, and mine rescue parties have been alerted," Shoigu said. Two aircraft flew in Emergencies Ministry rescue workers from Moscow to the Tuvan capital Kyzyl last night, while the third plane is due to deliver the required machinery and equipment later today. No damage or loss of life has so far been reported. Special-purpose groups are being set up to check up on social facilities, bridges, roads, and power transmission lines.