29 Apr 2017 11:32

Twenty-four people reportedly killed by landslide in southern Kyrgyzstan - Kyrgyz emergencies ministry

OSH. April 29 (Interfax) - Twenty-four people are believed to have been killed in a powerful landslide in Kyrgyzstan's southern Osh region, the press service of the Kyrgyz Emergency Situations Ministry told Interfax.

The landslide of one million cubic meters hit the village of Zerger in the Uzgen district at 7:00 a.m. local time (4:00 a.m. Moscow time), the press service said.

"The landslide struck seven houses. Preliminary reports indicate that 24 people were killed after being buried by huge land masses," it said.

All of the victims are believed to have been in their houses when the landslide struck the village, according to preliminary reports.

A cleanup effort is currently under way at the site, the press service said.