As winter looms in Tajikistan, UN appeals for $1 million for earthquake relief

The United Nations today appealed for $1 million for emergency aid over the next six months to help victims of the July earthquakes in Tajikistan, which destroyed or damaged nearly 2,600 houses and affected some 21,000 people, as winter approaches.

“There is a fear that half of the fully destroyed houses (approximately 500 houses) will not be rebuilt before the winter begins,” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. “If this were to occur, it would have serious humanitarian consequences, which is the reason for this appeal.”

The UN Country Team and the international community have been effective in meeting urgent, sector specific needs, especially in health, water and sanitation, and education in the southern district of Qumsangir. But although the Government started rebuilding houses only a few days after the quake, the work has progressed very slowly.

The appeal calls for 500 winter tents, as well as material support for rebuilding 200 houses. Nine schools, in which more than 7,000 children study, were also affected by the quake and the appeal covers part of their rehabilitation.

Although the school year has already begun, the children in the affected area do not have access to a safe learning environment. There is an urgent need for full or partial rehabilitation of schools, provision of school furniture, textbooks, and essential school supplies.

Although the Government has committed to the reconstruction of two schools on their own, their resources are very limited to complete the rehabilitation of the other seven schools.