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Tajikistan

Tajikistan: Floods and Mudslides OCHA Situation Report No. 1

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This report was issued by the OCHA RDRA Office for Central Asia, based on information reported by the Tajik disaster management coordination system (REACT) and UN Resident Coordinators office. It covers the period from 21 April to 15 May 2009. The next report will be issued on or around 22 May 2009.

HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES

- Mud flow in Khatlon Province displaces 300 families on top of 114 families displaced on 21 April in the same area;

- Continuous heavy rains throughout the country since 21st April have caused floods and mud flows in more than 25 districts, killing more than 21 people and stretching in-country resources;

- Overall, 15,000 people have been affected and 734 families have lost their homes;

- Emergency stocks are depleted, including those of the Tajik Red Crescent Society and need urgent replenishment, particularly shelter materials (tents), food, water and sanitation and early recovery materials.

- The food security appeal for Tajikistan is only 50% funded.

II. Situation Overview

On 14 May 2009 at 13.00 a mudflow in Aini Jamoat, Khuroson District, Khatlon Province damaged 200 houses and affected some 6,000 people, of which 300 families have been displaced. An earlier mudflow on 21 April 2009 in the same area destroyed 66 houses and left 114 families without shelter, food and access to clean drinking water. One of the district hospitals (nr. 2) has also been covered by mud. The affected area stretches three villages and one settlement (village 18th Parts'ezdi Bolo, 18th Parts'ezdi Poyon, Halkajar and Uyali settlement) and is currently difficult to access. Thus far no deaths or injuries have been reported. Heavy rains continue in the area and could trigger further damage.

A tent-camp has been erected in support of the 114 families displaced by the first mud flow. Their living conditions are deteriorating due to continued heavy rains. The population affected by the second mudflow is hosted by relatives or staying in nearby schools and mosques. A field currently under wheat cultivation will be cleared for resettlement of those displaced by the disasters.

Heavy rains have been reported throughout the country and are simultaneously affecting several areas. According to the information received from the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence under the Government of Tajikistan, starting from April 20th until 15th of May, a total of 25 districts have been affected by various types of disasters, killing 21 people.

On 15 May three more districts along the border with Afghanistan have reportedly been affected by floods. Assessment of damage by REACT teams is currently ongoing. In total some 15,000 people have been affected by floods or mud flows thus far, of which 734 families (3,600 people) have lost their houses.

While the government of Tajikistan, with help from REACT1 partners, has thus far been able to respond to the emergencies, the combined effect is starting to stretch in-country resources. The Tajik Red Crescent Society is reporting that it has run out of stock and is in the process of putting together an emergency appeal for replenishment, with help from the Federation. The purpose of this situation report is to alert the international community of this in light of anticipated further flooding, due to continuing heavy rainfall and melting of snow-water in the mountains.

More detailed information on this series of floods and mudflows is provided in REACT rapid assessment and situation reports, which have been placed on Reliefweb.

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