Global perspective Human stories

Heavy snows prompt Tajikistan government to ask for UN assistance

Heavy snows prompt Tajikistan government to ask for UN assistance

More than two metres of snow have fallen in the eastern and southern parts of Tajikistan and at least 16 people have died in the heavy storms, prompting the Government to ask for United Nations assistance.

Warmer temperatures this week have increased the risk of further avalanches in the mountainous regions, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned.

Most roads are still closed and communication systems are down, leaving a number of villages isolated. In Nurobod District, fearing additional avalanches after one last week killed nine and injured three, 2,800 persons were evacuated to safe areas. In other locations, houses, storage facilities and schools have been either destroyed or damaged.

Current needs include food, fuel, tents, clothing, blankets and construction material, OCHA reported.

The country's Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES) has been working in close cooperation with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and UN agencies in providing relief aid to the affected areas. However, access to a number of villages remains a challenge.

The German Government today agreed to provide a helicopter to transport relief supplies, while OCHA released $30,000 from its emergency grant account for emergency supplies and logistic operations.

More snow is expected throughout the weekend.