Relief after Winter Emergency

Counterpart International (Counterpart) was able to provide meals-ready-to-eat to mass case institutions in the Dushanbe area of Tajikistan after extreme winter weather and an energy emergency caused a humanitarian crisis in winter of 2008.

Extreme cold weather and social and economic factors during the winter months resulted in food insecurity, power shortages and damage to agricultural assets and water systems in Tajikistan, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Food insecurity is affecting more than 550,000 people, of whom at least 260,000 need immediate assistance, according to the UN World Food Program and other international partners.

Snowfall in December 2007 was 245% above the historical average for the month; temperatures of -8°C and -25°C during January 2008 increased demand for heating while at the same time affecting the supply capacity. This has led to severe rationing of electricity and sharp increases in the prices for fuel. The extreme temperatures damaged crops, livestock and fisheries.

The food rations deployed to Tajikistan in this time of need provided nutritious food to more than 2,600 beneficiaries in both rural and urban areas.

Please read more about Counterpart's Humanitarian Assistance in Tajikistan.

Photo: © Counterpart International.