WFP supports Tajik households affected by mudflow with emergency food assistance

According to WFP Tajikistan Country Office in Dushanbe, approximately 9,500 residents from N. Asadullo, 18th Anjumani Hizb, Khuroson and Pakhtaobod villages were severely impacted by a devastating mudflow following heavy rainfall between May 14 and May 16, 2020, with more than 300 homes damaged or destroyed.

WFP’s emergency relief assistance reportedly consists of around 17 metric tons of fortified wheat flour and was provided following the request from the Emergencies Committee under the Government of Tajikistan 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 the Emergencies Committee chief 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 the Emergencies Committee, 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 the Emergencies Committee staff at national and regional levels. Furthermore, WFP has conducted public awareness campaigns to build disaster-resilient communities and promote the role of the Emergencies Committee. 

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies, building prosperity and supporting a sustainable future for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.