Tajikistan: Cold Wave - Jan 2008

Abnormally cold weather conditions in Tajikistan that began in January prevailed into February with heavy snowfall and temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius. The situation was complicated by a decline in the water levels in the reservoir of the hydro-electric Nurek Power Plant. The economic and social shocks as a result of the cold weather conditions and energy crisis worsened an already precarious food security situation, especially in rural areas. Two consecutive poor agricultural harvests combined with doubling food prices and increased spending on heating due to the cold left rural populations with few remaining coping strategies. (OCHA, 13 Feb 2008)

Long-awaited warmer temperatures in Tajikistan replaced snow with intense rains and avalanches, while the East of the country and mountainous regions continued to suffer from cold weather conditions. As a result of increased avalanches and mudflows, a number of critical access roads closed, including the Dushanbe-Khujand road connecting the South and North of the country. (OCHA, 10 Mar 2008)

While there were still outstanding needs stemming from the cold wave/energy crisis, by April 2008 Tajikistan started to face spring related emergencies, in particular as the thaw increased the threat of flash floods and landslides. (OCHA, 1 Apr 2008)