OCHA Situation Report No. 6
Tajikistan: Cold Wave/Compound Crisis
1 April 2008


Source:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

This report is based on information provided by the Rapid Emergency
Assessment and Coordination Team (REACT), the Committee of Emergency
Situations and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan.

HIGHLIGHTS

While there are still outstanding needs stemming from the cold wave/energy
crisis, the country is now starting to face Spring related emergencies, in
particular as the thaw increases the threat of flash floods and
landslides. Pre-positioning of available emergency Non Food Items and
shelter material (Family Kits) is being urgently initiated for the two
most disaster prone areas in Zarafshan and Rasht valleys. Financial
support is urgently needed to procure additional stocks and ensure
warehousing and transportation of pre-positioned goods; this would cover
the projected needs of 1,500 potentially disasteraffected households.

SITUATION

1. Recent high temperatures in Tajikistan have caused the snow at high
elevations to melt, bringing closer the spring thaw scenario. April is
traditionally a month of flash floods in Tajikistan. This year, in the
wake of one of the harshest winters in recent history of the country and
melting of the exceptionally heavy accumulated snow pack, floods and
landslides are considered to be highly likely.

2. At the request of REACT, the Shelter/NFI Cluster, led by IFRC undertook
a study of the likely impact of the spring thaw in the most hazardous
zones in cooperation with the Government and Cluster partners. Some 422
villages across the country along all of the main river valleys of
Tajikistan were identified as being at high risk. The report made a number
of recommendations for immediate and longer term actions to mitigate the
effects of the thaw. Based on statistical averages of the last five years
(2002-7), at least 1,500 households are predicted to be affected by
spring-thaw related natural disasters this year.

3. Hydro-Met, the local hydro-meteorological service, will undertake a
helicopter survey during the first week of April to measure snow pack
levels at higher mountain elevations. The survey aims to assess and the
likely medium and long term impacts of the thaw on water and irrigation
systems. The results of the survey will be made available mid- April.

FOOD SECURITY

4. A comprehensive Emergency Food Security Assessment is under preparation
by the Cluster Lead (WFP), in cooperation with UNICEF for the nutritional
and FAO for agriculture/livestock components, adopting a holistic
"livelihoods" approach. The assessments will take place during the month
of April, and will cover the nineteen identified homogenous zones in the
whole of Tajikistan. The results, expected to be available mid to end May,
will endeavor to identify short (3 months), mid-term (18 months) and long
term (3 years) response options.

5. Although there has not been any pledge for the agricultural sector of
the Flash Appeal, FAO continues to concentrate its efforts to secure
fodder for livestock and seeds for wheat and potatoes, hoping for
contributions to cover these must needed activities.

Contact Details:

Tel: + 41-22-917 12 34
Fax: + 41 22 917 0023
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only:
Tel. + 41 22 917 2010

UN Office in Tajikistan
Mr. Michael Jones
Resident Coordinator
Tel: + 992 47 441 0680

OCHA Office in Almaty:
Ms. Gabriella Waaijman
Tel: + 7 727 2528 643
+ 7 777 7809 071
E-mail: waaijman@un.org

Mr. Ali Buzurukov
Tel: + 7 727 2528 643
+ 7 777 7809 073
E-mail: buzurukov@un.org
(English and Russian speaking)

Desk Officers/Focal Points:

Ms. Severine Rey (New York)
Tel. + 1 917 367 5336
Fax: + 1 212 963 3630
E-mail: rey@un.org

Ms. AoibheannO'Keeffe (Geneva)
Tel. + 41 22 917 4329
E-mail: okeeffe@un.org

Press Contact:

(Geneva)
Ms. Elizabeth Byrs
Tel. + 41 22 917 2653
Fax: + 41 22 917 0020
E-mail: byrs@un.org

(New York)
Ms. Christina Bennett
Tel: + 1 917 367 8059
Fax: + 1 212 963 1312
E-mail: bennett1@un.org

(Dubai)
Ms. Nadia Evans
Tel. + 971 50 227 9808
E-mail: evans2@un.org

Attachments:
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