The participants analysed in detail all issues related to the relocation of the residents of the affected building to new flats, as well as what needs to be done to ensure that federal and regional financial support reaches the victims of the explosion.

The government resolution of March 1, 2012 No. 262-r stipulates, among other benefits, a 350 million rouble federal subsidy to the Astrakhan Region to buy housing, as well as direct federal financial support to the families of those killed by the explosion, in the amount of 1 million roubles per family. The financial assistance for victims who suffered severe or moderate injuries will amount to 400,000 roubles for each victim, while those who suffered only minor injuries are entitled to 200,000 roubles in compensation. Also, compensation for the loss of property will be 100,000 roubles per person, and for partial loss of property, 50,000 roubles per person. The explosion victims will also receive one-time government assistance of 10,000 roubles per person, but no more than 50,000 roubles per family.

"The regional government needs to continue working in this direction and promptly ensure that each victim entitled to government assistance receives compensation without delay, including the families of those killed in the blast," Zubkov said. "This commission will work until each victim receives the full compensation he or she is entitled to," he added.

Astrakhan Governor Konstantin Markelov, who also attended the meeting, updated the commission on the regional government-led relief effort. The regional government has organised the relocation of all the families from the affected building, using the federal subsidy. In addition to federal financial assistance, the regional government allocated 10,000 roubles to each of the families living in the damaged building. Those whose flats were entirely destroyed received 1 million roubles each. All victims were provided with the necessities to meet their immediate needs. A bank account was opened for donations, which has already received 6 million roubles. People have had their documents restored. Retired persons received their monthly pensions in advance, and in some cases, loan payments were deferred.

Markelov confirmed that the agreements reached during Zubkov's meeting with heads of local businesses on March 2 have been fulfilled: bedroom furniture, TV sets, living room furniture and upholstered furniture sets were delivered to the 26 families who lost all of their possessions and were relocated to new flats. Nine more families will receive similar assistance in the near future.

Zubkov instructed the commission to focus especially on public transport in Astrakhan, to make sure that the relocated families receive adequate transport services.

"I will visit Astrakhan a week from now, on March 19, to meet with the residents of the damaged building and hear what they have to say about the relief work and its results," the first deputy prime minister said.