Tajikistan: Floods OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2004/107
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Tajikistan - Floods (13-15 July 2004)

This report is based on information provided by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

I. SITUATION

1. On 13-14 July, Tajikistan suffered unusually heavy rains, resulting in localized flooding in the Varzob region. Following the normal period of dry heat, the heavy rainstorms have set off massive floods and landslides just 30kms north of the capital, Dushanbe and smaller land and rock slides throughout the country.

2. The only road link from Dushanbe and the South to the North of the country has become impassable due to severe damages in numerous places along some 40 kms of road. Up to 500 vehicles were trapped and an estimated 5000 people were cut off from the outside world in three side valleys, which became inaccessible, as bridges were swept away. The Ministry of Emergencies managed to clear one side of the road over the weekend. However, a number of roads throughout the country have collapsed completely or are blocked due to landslides.

3. The Varzob River is the main source of water for Dushanbe. The contaminated river is a major concern for the quality of water in the capital. Half of the population, an estimated 400,000 persons, relies on water deliveries by truck. The city authorities have reported that the intake systems and distribution networks for water from the river are completely clogged up with mud. However, the Tajik authorities have stated that the quality of drinking water should be improving within the next 2 days.

4. Rains are still forecasted for the next few days, while the river's water level is rising.

II. NATIONAL RESPONSE

5. The Government of Tajikistan has been effective in mobilizing the necessary resources to address the most urgent requirements, including health education campaigns advising the population to refrain from drinking tap water.

6. The Government of Tajikistan has requested assistance from the UN system to address the multiple impacts of the disaster. Based on REACT, the disaster coordination mechanism, the Ministry of Emergencies has led the Government's response on the ground, in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport and the Dushanbe City authorities.

III. INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

7. An allocation of USD 30,000 from the Government of the Netherlands Emergency Grant and USD 20,000 from the OCHA Emergency Reserve Fund were approved on 16 July to facilitate the provision of emergency supplies, coordinating national and international efforts and to provide logistical support.

8. UNDP in Dushanbe has also allocated USD 25,000 for the purchase of logistical and communication equipment, such as satellite phones, radios and computers.

9. OCHA is in close contact with the UN Resident Coordinator in Dushanbe, and will revert with further information when available.

10. This situation report, together with further information on other ongoing emergencies is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int.

MAP - Tajikistan: Floods - Situation map

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Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officer:
Ms. Afia Ali Blasco, Direct Tel. +41-22-917 1173

Press contact:
(GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53
(N.Y.) Ms. Stephanie Bunker, direct Tel. +1-917 367 5126