WFP SUPPORTS TAJIK HOUSEHOLDS AFFECTED BY MUDFLOW WITH EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) provided food assistance to around 300 households affected by a mudflow in Khuroson District, Khatlon Region.

Approximately 9,500 residents from N. Asadullo, 18^th Anjumani Hizb, Khuroson and Pakhtaobod villages were severely impacted by a devastating mudflow following heavy rainfall between 14 – 16 May 2020, with more than 300 homes damaged or destroyed.

WFP’s emergency relief assistance consists of around 17 metric tons of fortified wheat flour and was provided following the request from the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense under the Government of Tajikistan (CoES) to support affected households.

“We are extremely grateful for this generous and consistent support. Our strong working relationship with WFP in relation with preparing for and responding to emergencies helps people in need throughout Tajikistan,” said CoES Chairman Rustam Nazarzoda.

WFP actively supports the Tajik government in enhancing the capacity of the Rapid Emergency Assessment and Coordination Team (REACT) and the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. WFP also maintains contingency food stocks in-country to ensure rapid food assistance in case of emergencies.

WFP has been working in Tajikistan since 1993 and is among the first organizations to respond to humanitarian emergencies in cooperation with CoES, the national institution responsible for population protection and civil defense in emergencies.

Over the past four years, WFP has provided technical assistance, equipment, storage capacity and extensive training to CoES staff at national and regional levels. Furthermore, WFP has conducted public awareness campaigns to build disaster-resilient communities and promote the role of CoES.