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Tajikistan

Frost in northern part of Tajikistan, Sughd Province. Situation Report № 1, April 10, 2015

Attachments

Situation Overview

Heavy snowfall and decrease of temperature on 29-31 March, 2015 have resulted a frost, -10 and -12 C below zero in northern part of Tajikistan and caused significant damage on agriculture crops and orchards in Sughd Province.

Damage Information

In March 6th, 2015 based on the Government appeal, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade RT (MEDT) initiated a joint (government and international organizations) assessment mission to Sughd Province to evaluate the situation and determine the scale of economic loss and approximate amount of the required financial support.

The preliminary results of the assessment showed that situation is critical and the frost destroyed around 95% of fruit trees, including apricots, almond, vineyard and apple trees in this region. For some fruit trees that are damaged drastically, it will require 2-3 years to recover. The winter crops, i.e. wheat and barley also frozen and the harvest might be reduced by 35-40%, which will have a negative impact to the livelihood and economic of this region.

Preliminary estimated direct economic loss is around 200 million Tajik somoni. Detailed calculation is ongoing and this figure may change.

Given the fact that Northern districts were mainly producing dry fruits for export and which was main source of income, according to government partners this disaster causing panic amongst people and leading to price increase for some commodities. Currently the assessment results are being compiled and the updated will be shared accordingly.