Press Release
28 February 2008
UK airlifts to help Tajikistan's big freeze
The UK’s International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander, today
announced £1.5 million to support international relief efforts for the growing
humanitarian crisis in Tajikistan. The funding will help provide essential items
and services for those at risk by the severe winter temperatures and the energy
crisis facing the country.
The Department for International Development (DFID) has organised two separate
emergency airlifts to transport vital supplies including blankets, baby warming
beds and generators in the next week. These will be distributed through the
United Nations (UN), who are co-ordinating the international community’s
response to the situation with the Government of Tajikistan.
Douglas Alexander said:
"The harsh winter, combined with the growing energy crisis, is putting many tens
of thousands of Tajik people at risk.
"The UK’s support, along with that of the international community, will help the
most vulnerable through the worst of the current situation. Generators will
provide power for schools and health clinics left without electricity, and
blankets and baby warmers will give vital support in the freezing conditions."
UK assistance includes:
- £500,000 for two emergency airlifts, providing blankets, generators, water purification tablets and jerry cans;
- More than £500,000 for distribution of emergency items by three non-governmental organisations (NGOs) - Mercy Corps, Save the Children and CARE International - including baby heating beds and cash for food;
- £350,000 to help increase water supplies to the three main cities in Tajikistan, running tanker services and essential repairs to water and sewerage systems; and
- £75,000 to help the UN co-ordination of the emergency response.
Tajikistan is currently suffering a severe winter, with temperatures dropping to -20 degrees. The freezing weather is exacerbating an energy and water crisis in the country, with heavy snow and frozen rivers leading to unprecedented and extensive power cuts in the capital, Dushanbe, and other major cities.
Note to editors
DFID has been involved in Tajikistan since 2003, working with the Government
to tackle poverty by boosting enterprise and livelihoods and help solve land
disputes. It has provided over £6 million support during that time.
For more information please contact David Leslie on 0207 023 0311 or 0207 023
0600, or e-mail pressoffice@dfid.gov.uk
or call our Public Enquiries Point on 0845 300 4100.
