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Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Floods, 5-12-2010
Heavy rains on May 7 have caused flooding and mudslides in the town of Kulob and 10 surrounding districts in Khatlon Province, including Kulob, Vose, Muminabad, Temurmalik, and Shurabad. Flooding has killed 22 people, according to the U.N.; left more than 50 people missing and 200 others injured, according to international media; and affected approximately 90,000 people, according to Save the Children. The U.N. has reported that flooding has damaged approximately 430 houses and destroyed an additional 380 houses, as well as 10 km of roads, 30 bridges, power lines, and communications systems. Friends and neighbors are hosting many of the people displaced by flooding; in addition, the U.N. is establishing a tent camp in Kulyab Stadium to house up to 400 displaced families. A U.N. assessment team plans to conduct a rapid damage and needs assessment on May 12. The Government of Tajikistan has activated the State Commission on Emergency Situations, and relief operations and recovery planning are underway, according to the U.N. According to international media reports, the Government of Tajikistan is preparing an appeal for humanitarian assistance.
On May 11, U.S. Ambassador Kenneth E. Gross, Jr., declared a disaster due to the effects of the flooding. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/Tajikistan to Save the Children for the provision of humanitarian relief supplies, including hygiene kits, blankets, first aid supplies, and other non-food items, to displaced individuals living in tent communities. USAID/OFDA staff in Washington, D.C., and Budapest, Hungary, continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe.
Additional Disaster Declarations:
Floods and Mudslides, 12-03-2009
Heavy rains from March to May 2009 resulted in flooding and mudslides in Khatlon Province. According to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the floods and mudslides affected approximately 15,000 individuals, the majority of whom resided in Khurosan, Oumsangir, and Pyanj districts. In addition, floods severely damaged more than 14,000 hectares of farmland, resulting in widespread livelihood disruptions and food insecurity, according to the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan. In the aftermath of the events, OCHA estimated the displaced population at 734 families, or more than 3,600 individuals. While many displaced households had relocated to newly constructed housing settlements as of December 2009, health risks persisted due to lack of adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. Families who remained displaced continued to require shelter assistance as winter approached, and the entire affected population required additional assistance to restore livelihoods and combat food insecurity.
On December 3, 2009, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Necia L. Quast redeclared a disaster due to ongoing humanitarian needs among the affected population, and requested additional USAID/OFDA support. In response, USAID/OFDA provided nearly $1.7 million to four implementing partners for the distribution of emergency relief supplies and the implementation of health, WASH, shelter, and protection interventions for affected individuals. Programs aim to meet emergency needs, while also promoting early recovery from the series of spring disasters.
Additional Disaster Declarations:
Floods and Mudslides, 05-26-2009
Beginning on April 21, 2009, heavy rains led to floods and mudslides in 25 of Tajikistan’s 58 districts. The largest mudslide affected approximately 6,000 people in Khuroson District, Khatlon Province. According to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, floods and mudslides killed more than 28 people and affected approximately 15,000 individuals, including 3,600 people displaced due to damaged housing. In addition, floods severely damaged more than 40,000 hectares of farmland, according to the Government of Tajikistan (GoT). The GoT reported that recent emergency response efforts have depleted relief commodity stocks, particularly tents, food, water and sanitation supplies, and other early recovery materials.
On May 26, U.S. Ambassador Tracey A. Jacobson declared a disaster due to the effects of the floods. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/Tajikistan to Save the Children/US for construction of sanitation facilities and distribution of emergency relief supplies, including hygiene kits and kitchen sets.
Food Insecurity, 02-13-2008
Beginning in January 2008, extreme cold weather and social and economic factors led to food insecurity, power shortages, and damage to agricultural assets and water systems in Tajikistan. At least 260,000 people needed immediate assistance, according to the U.N. World Food Program and partners. On February 25, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that food insecurity had affected an estimated 2 million people. In addition, most regions of the country had no power. The Government of Tajikistan requested international assistance and the U.N. issued a flash appeal.
On February 13, U.S. Ambassador Tracey A. Jacobson declared a disaster due to food insecurity, exacerbated by extreme winter weather and an energy crisis. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $992,618 to Save the Children, CARE, and Mercy Corps for the provision of fuel, heaters, clothing, household supplies, and health services.
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