Summary: CHF 185,162 was allocated on 7 August 2012 from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan (RCST) in delivering immediate assistance to some 9,720 beneficiaries (1,620 families) and rendering psychosocial support for some 7,000 people.

Link: Humanitarian Bulletin South Caucasus and Central Asia Issue 01 | 1 January – 31 December 2012

Building resilient communities in Tajikistan

Over 2 million at risk of food insecurity amid rising number of disasters

Summary

This document provides an update on the 13 May 2012 earthquake in Rasht Valley, Tajikistan and focuses on assessment reports covering:

• Winter weather needs of disaster survivors in Rasht Valley and relocation sites in southern Khatlon Province, and
• Gender, conflict and environmental issues at relocation sites in southern Khatlon Province

These assessments indicate significant outstanding needs or issues in the following areas:

Dushanbe, October 15, 2012 – On the fifth consecutive year of marking Global Handwashing Day on October 15, the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Tajikistan in close cooperation with UNICEF continues this commemoration aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases.

Today, U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Sarah Penhune, participated in the opening ceremony for a safe drinking water system in Pakhtaobod, Tojikobod Jamoat,Vakhsh Raion. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funded and implemented the project through its Tajikistan Safe Drinking Water Project (TSDWP). Local government officials, USAID representatives, community citizens, and the TSDWP project team took part in the ceremony which included a performance by local school children on the importance of clean water and good hygiene.

GENERAL TRENDS

NATURAL HAZARDS

In August there is a risk of floods in the Pyanj, Vakhsh, Zarafshan, Isfarinka Rivers and their tributaries as well as glacial mudflows.

WEATHER

Below long-term average precipitation and near or above average temperatures are expected for August.

ENERGY SECURITY

As part of a wider project to protect health from climate change, the WHO Country Office in Tajikistan is supporting efforts to ensure safe water supplies to hospitals. This work is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the State Sanitary Epidemiological Surveillance Service (SSESS), and with financial support from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).

GENERAL TRENDS

NATURAL HAZARDS

Heavy rains, mudflows, floods, landslides, strong storms and hail can be expected in June. The risk of mudflows and floods is: High for the Pyanj (middle and lower reaches), Vakhsh (Khatlon), Kafirnigan (DRD), Varzob (DRD), Shirkent and Karatag (DRD) rivers.

WEATHER

Below average precipitation and temperatures near or above average are expected for June.

ENERGY SECURITY

Tajikistan Quick Facts

• Tajikistan has a population of 7.6 million

• 73% of the population lives in rural areas

• Agriculture contributes to 23% of GDP and employs 75% of the labor force

• 46% of Tajiks live below the poverty line

• 40-60% of the population lacks access to safe drinking water

• Chronic undernutrition, or stunting, affects about one in three children under age five

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