Frequent small to medium-scale emergencies raged through the region in 2012, inflicting the most damage on rural households. Support from humanitarian and development partners was often necessary to help affected people back onto their feet, learn from the disaster and better prepare for future shocks.

OVERVIEW

Natural hazards such as earthquakes, droughts, floods, wildfires, and extreme winter weather affect a range of countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia (EMCA). In addition, rapid urban growth and environmental degradation in some countries have led to overcrowding and settlement in hazard-prone areas. Protracted conflict and limited governmental disaster management capacity in many EMCA countries compound the risks associated with natural disasters.

Highlights

Since November 2011, the region has received $8 million in humanitarian funding

In turn, the region has provided $1.3 million in humanitarian funding

National Red Crescent Societies respond to emergencies in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan

In this issue:

• Protracted Civil Unrest in Syria
• Protection is main Humanitarian Concern in Libya
• Central Asia: Earthquake hits Fergana Valley, 14 killed
• World Humanitarian Day 2011
• Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan sign up to the Regional Centre for Disaster Response and Risk Reduction

Summary:

=B7 This Emergency Appeal was initially launched, on a preliminary basis, on 16 June 2010 for 6 months to assist 24,000 beneficiaries.

=B7 CHF 300,000 was initially allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the National Society's response to the looming crises caused by the arrival of almost 100,000 refugees from the neighbouring Kyrgyzstan.

=B7 Given the quick change of the situation in Kyrgyzstan and return of the majority of refugees back to their homes by 24 June 2010, the Emergency Appeal and the initial plan

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A number of transition challenges in the early years of independence heavily influenced living standards in Uzbekistan, especially in rural areas. Since 1996 the country has enjoyed steady but modest economic growth. While official unemployment is low, underemployment and low wages contribute to low living standards. The most vulnerable groups in terms of poverty are rural inhabitants, families with many children, people with disabilities, unemployed people, people with a lower level of education and households in which women are breadwinners.

The Desert Locust (SGR1) situation remained relatively calm in September throughout summer breeding areas. Only small groups of mature swarms were controlled in 900 ha in Pakistan in the Gothki area near the Indianborder. Scattered adults were reported in southern Mauritania, northern Mali, central Chad and central Sudan and small-scale breeding slightly increased locust numbers in some areas. Seasonal rains were winding down by end of September, but ecological conditions remained favorable in many summer breeding areas in the Sahel west Africa and along