On 13 May 2012, a 5.7 Richter scale earthquake struck Rasht valley in the eastern part of Tajikistan. The earthquake affected at least 33 villages in the three districts of Nurobod, Rasht and Tavildara, claiming lives, and affecting more than 2,531 people. According to preliminary information, some 86 houses were destroyed and 276 damaged.

A rock fall occurred immediately after the earthquake. It blocked and destroyed the highway connecting the eastern part of the country cutting off some 114 families for a number of days.

The European Commission is providing 80 000 EUR to bring relief to the over 3,300 victims. This aid will be used for non-food items such as blankets, mattresses and kitchen sets, as well as psychosocial support and will be channelled through the Tajikistan Red Crescent which operates using the funding of The Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Background

The European Commission has signed a €3 million humanitarian contribution agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF). Funds from the DREF are mainly allocated to “small-scale” disasters – those that do not give rise to a formal international appeal.

The Disaster Relief Emergency Fund was established in 1985 and is supported by contributions from donors. Each time a National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society needs immediate financial support to respond to a disaster, it can request funds from the DREF. For small-scale disasters, the IFRC allocates grants from the Fund, which can then be replenished by the donors. The contribution agreement between the IFRC and the European Commission enables the latter to replenish the DREF for agreed operations (that fit in with its humanitarian mandate) up to a total of €2 million.