The Federation's mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. It is the world's largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in over 185 countries.
In Brief
Period covered by this update: 19 April to 27 April, 2007.
History of this Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF)-funded operation:
- CHF 85,115 (USD 69,996 or EUR 52,540) allocated from the Federations DREF on 19 April 2007 to respond to the needs of this operation and to replenish disaster preparedness stocks distributed to the affected population.
- This operation is expected to be implemented for 1 month, and will be completed by 19 May, 2007; a DREF Bulletin Final Report (narrative and financial) will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 19 August, 2007).
Summary:
During the night of 16 to 17 April, torrential and heavy rainfall resulted in flash floods and debris flows in the eastern and northern part of Tajikistan. There has been damage to the already poor infrastructure, residential buildings and agriculture. A number of villages have been heavily affected; the transport infrastructure and water supply systems, bridges and kilometres of road have been washed away isolating some of the villages.
The International Federation undertakes activities that are aligned with its Global Agenda, which sets out four broad goals to meet the Federation's mission to "improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity".
Global Agenda Goals:
- Reduce the numbers of deaths, injuries and impact from disasters.
- Reduce the number of deaths, illnesses and impact from diseases and public health emergencies.
- Increase local community, civil society and Red Cross Red Crescent capacity to address the most urgent situations of vulnerability.
- Reduce intolerance, discrimination and social exclusion and promote respect for diversity and human dignity.
Background and current situation
During the night of 16 to 17 April, torrential rainfall caused flash floods and landslides in the eastern regions of Tajikistan. The affected districts were Rudaky, Tursun-zade, Varzob and Vahdat (RRS) and Panjakent district of Sughd oblast in the northern part of the country.
Infrastructure in the regions was already poor, and many residential buildings have been severely damaged. Agricultural land has also been affected. The population from a number of villages have had to be relocated due to fears for their safety. Most families whose houses were damaged or destroyed have found temporary shelter with relatives, friends or neighbours. Transport infrastructure, electricity and water supply systems have been heavily damaged. Bridges and roads have been washed away isolating some villages.
The total number of affected people significantly increased as the assessments were finalized. The results of detailed assessments done by the Government Emergency Commission, the Rapid Emergency Assessment and Coordination Team (REACT) which included United Nations Disaster Risk Management Project (UNDRMP), World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), CARE International, Committee of Emergency Situation and Civil Defence, Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan, as well as local authorities showed that 1 person died and more than 2.,225 households (17,184 people) were directly affected by these floods. More than 2,089 houses were damaged, out of which more than 209 were completely destroyed.
For further information specifically related to this operation please contact:
In Tajikistan: The Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan, email: rcstj01@mail.ru, phone: 992372 24 03 74, fax: 992372 24 53 78
In Tajikistan: Elias Ghanem, Head of Delegation, email: elias.ghanem@ifrc.org, phone: + 992372 244296 or 245981, fax:+992372 248520
In Geneva: Sylvie Chevalley, Regional Officer, email: sylvie.chevalley@ifrc.org, phone: 41 22 730 4276 fax: 41 22 730 0395
All International Federation assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's) in Disaster Relief and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (Sphere) in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable.
For longer-term programmes in this or other countries or regions, please refer to the Federation's Annual Appeal. For support to or for further information concerning Federation programmes or operations in this or other countries, or for national society profiles, please also access the Federation's website at http://www.ifrc.org