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Tajikistan

Tajikistan: Floods in Panjakent - Information Bulletin n° 1

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 181 countries.

In Brief

This Bulletin (No. 1/2005) is being issued for information only. The Federation is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation at this time. Any change in this will be detailed in a later bulletin.

The Situation

On 8 June 2005, abundant rains in Panjakent district (Sughd Oblast) resulted in torrential floods. The population of six villages (Shing, Dahani Ob, Bodgoh, Vagashton, Gijdavra and Panjrood) was heavily affected. As a result, 345 people left without shelter, 73 houses totally destroyed and 338 houses in four villages are partly damaged. Other figures to date indicate 8 causalities and a total affected population of 2,877.

On 9-10 June 2005, the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan, in coordination with the Government Emergency commission and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs), conducted an assessment in the affected areas. The result of the assessment is:

Shing village: 27 houses are totally destroyed; 221 houses are partially damaged (50% damage);

Dahani Ob village: 2 houses are totally destroyed; 10 houses are partially damaged (50% damage);

Bodgoh village: 3 houses are totally destroyed; 60 houses are partially damaged (50% damage);

Vagashton village: 41 houses are totally destroyed; 107 houses are partially damaged (50%); 2 casualties (3 and 5 year old children);

Gijdavra village: Road is blocked, so no information is available; 2 casualties (a woman and a 10 year old child);

Panjrood village, Rudaki Jamoat: 15 houses are totally destroyed; 4 casualties reported.

During the assessment, the following needs were identified:

- Drinking water for 200 families in the temporary camp (1,200 people);

- Clothing (children and adult) for 200 families;

- Plastic sheets;

- Medicines

- Hygiene kits;

- Kitchen supplies;

- Blankets;

- Household supplies (buckets, detergent, soap, etc.);

- Mattresses;

- Bedding.

The needs of the population had been essentially met by the government and NGO response to this disaster. The Ministry of Emergency Situations provided the affected population with 101 tents, 20 MT of wheat flour, 3 MT of oil, 10 MT of sugar, 5 MT of rice and 10 MT of diesel to clean up the road to the affected villages. Local state services are mobilized in road clearing and repairing of water supply and sewerage systems.

The World Food Programme (WFP) donated 20 Mt of wheat flour and has already started immediate food distribution in some affected areas. WFP informs that food needs of all affected population will be covered shortly.

On 11 June 2005, a coordination meeting organized by the Ministry of Emergency Situations was conducted in Panjakent district. During the meeting, it was decided to evacuate the affected people to a safe place. A temporary camp will be set up in Sarazm Jamoat (Panjakent district) for 200 affected families.

Red Crescent action

The Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan, jointly with the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Rapid Emergency Assessement and Coordination Team (REACT) members, coordinated the activities to provide effective assisstance to the suffered people. The Red Crescent Society, in its turn, has set up a first aid point and an asssement was conducted by Panjakent rayon Red Crescent branch volunteers. After the assessment, the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan responded to immediate needs by setting up a temporary shelter and distributing 80 mattresses, 70 family tents, 300 woollen blankets, 80 sets of bed linen, 60 kitchen sets, 48 kerosene stoves, 50 shovels , 50 hoes and water purification tablets for 70 families.

The Red Crescent branch volunteers are continuing to conduct assessment missions in the affected areas and to apply first aid to the people.

For further information please contact:

The Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan: email: rcstj01@mail.ru, phone number: 992372 24 03 74, fax: 992372 24 53 78

Geneva secretariat: 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 and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. For support to or for further information concerning Federation programmes or operations in this or other countries, or for a full description of the national society profile, please access the Federation's website at http://www.ifrc.org

MAP: Tajikistan - Floods in Panjakent