GOVERNMENT OF TAJIKISTAN APPEALS FOR HELP

 

NEW YORK, 11 February (OCHA) -- The Government of Tajikistan has requested assistance from the United Nations after heavy snowstorms in that country.

More than two metres of snow have fallen in eastern and southern Tajikistan, and warmer temperatures this week have increased the risk of further avalanches in the mountainous regions.  Most roads are still closed and communication systems are down, leaving a number of villages isolated.  At least 16 people have been killed.  In Nurobod District, fearing additional avalanches, after the one that killed nine and injured three on 3 February, 2,800 persons were evacuated to safe areas.  In other locations, houses, storage facilities, and schools have been destroyed or damaged. 

Current needs include food, fuel, tents, clothing, blankets, and construction material. 

The Ministry of Emergency Situations has been working in close cooperation with non-governmental organizations and United Nations agencies in providing relief aid to the affected areas.  However, access to a number of villages remains a challenge.  On 11 February, the German Government agreed to provide a helicopter to transport relief supplies.  The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) released $30,000 from its emergency grant account for emergency supplies and logistic operations.

More snow is expected throughout the weekend

For further information, please call:  Stephanie Bunker, OCHA New York, tel: 917 367 5126, mobile: 917 892 1679; Elizabeth Byrs, OCHA Geneva, tel: 41 22 917 2653, mobile: 41(0) 79 473 4570.

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