Quake-hit Tuva largely lifts state of emergency

The Republic of Tuva on Tuesday largely lifted the state of emergency introduced on December 28 after a 9.5-magnitude earthquake a day before. Aftershocks continue in the Kaa-Khamsky, Pii-Khemsky and Todzhinsy districts, which kept the state of emergency. Rescue services in the republic will remain on standby, the press service of the Tuva government told Itar-Tass. The state of emergency regime was largely lifted in the region as seismic activity decreased. All local sport and cultural facilities were open on Tuesday, per recommendation of the republic's emergency situations commission. Tuva Minister of Culture Vyacheslav Dongak said entrance to National Museum, the republic's main repository of history, will be free from January 3 to January 8, and fitness centers and popular recreation places at the Subedei and Ivan Yarygin sport complexes will operate for free as well. A mini-football competition will begin at the Subedei sport complex in Kyzyl on Tuesday.