Government of Tajikistan appeals for help

(New York, 11 February 2005) - 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, 2800 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 (MoES) has been working in close cooperation with NGOs and UN 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 USD 30,000 from its emergency grant account for emergency supplies and logistic operations.

More snow is expected throughout the weekend.