Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:  

Vladimir Putin: Could you describe the situation in the republic after the earthquake? What has been done to help people solve the problems brought about by the calamity?

Sergei Shoigu: Assistance has been provided for. There were problems at three district hospitals, but we organized outpatient service in tents. Each hospital cared for about 270 patients. They discharged as many patients as they could. All victims have received help. The republic's government has mobilized construction companies to rebuild destroyed housing and infrastructure. The rescue work is finished.

A special commission is inspecting housing, hospitals and schools. Gas, water and power supplies have been restored as well as communications. Temporary gas links have been installed in some places, but the supplies have been restored and that's what's important.

We are cooperating with the Chechen Republic's government. A total of 700 people have arrived to help, and they are still there, working. More professional help is coming. We expect to complete emergency reconstruction within 10 to 14 days, as planned.

However, additional resources are required at this point for the reconstruction effort. President Kadyrov has asked the federal government for an emergency loan, at least until the government passes an earthquake relief resolution. I think he will tell us about it now.

Vladimir Putin: Have you met the earthquake victims?

Ramzan Kadyrov: Yes, I have. We have held a meeting, and I set up a crisis center. We are developing, jointly with the Emergencies Ministry, a strategy for assisting the republic as soon as possible. We have involved local construction companies, the general contractors who participate in the republic's building programmes. We used regional funds as well as borrowed funds to raise the money for emergency aid.

This is not enough however. The situation is very serious, there is a lot of damage, and there are many casualties. I have requested further assistance from the federal government for a loan once we have estimated the damage.

As of now, 4,120 residential structures have suffered varying extents of damage. Three district hospitals were completely destroyed, they will have to be built anew. Other facilities are destroyed, too, including schools, theatres, museums, etc.

Last night, seismic experts reported more magnitude 4 shocks. And they were not the last ones, I assume.

Sergei Shoigu: They registered another one this morning, magnitude 4, also. More buildings that were damaged and unstable, collapsed.

Ramzan Kadyrov: There are 4,300 residential buildings beyond restoration.

Vladimir Putin: How many people have lost their homes?

Ramzan Kadyrov: Approximately 4,127 families.

Vladimir Putin: 4,127 families, meaning some 20,000-25,000 people?

Sergei Shoigu: Yes, Mr Putin, that has been taken care of, all the victims have been accommodated.

Ramzan Kadyrov: We have provided emergency aid and provided tents. We have a reserve of apartments in Gudermes, Argun and Grozny. We are now making plans to move people to those cities.

Vladimir Putin: You know how much we have done for the rebuilding of Grozny and other cities and towns. The necessary labour and equipment are in the area. They are experienced in construction. Chechen people have always had that kind of experience. They are also hardworking and skilled in construction. Much has been done for the restoration of Chechnya lately, all this potential should be used in full.

The federal government will certainly asses all relevant factors. In the beginning, we will provide emergency aid, and later, after all damages are evaluated, we will allocate sufficient funds to assist the residents with housing and to recover the republic's economic losses.