Tajikistan Crisis – Worst Winter in 25 years : Minister Kitt announces €250,000 Irish Aid humanitarian relief in response to severe weather conditions

The United Nations have issued a Flash Appeal for funds for activities to help Tajikistan cope with the effects of its worst winter in 25 years. Water and food supplies, electricity supplies, heating, fuel supplies and agricultural assets have been seriously affected by the snow and severe cold, while warmer temperatures are now causing avalanches, mudslides and serious flooding.

Announcing Irish Aid funding of €250,000 in response to the UN appeal, the Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr. Michael Kitt T.D. said:
  
“Tajikistan is the poorest country in Central Asia, with 64% of the population living on less than $2 a day. It is particularly important therefore to respond to the humanitarian needs of those most vulnerable to the harsh weather conditions. Our funding will support the work of UN agencies operating in the country, which are providing food assistance and helping to stabilise the energy supply”.

Irish Aid has as one of its key priorities the provision of support for developing countries suffering from natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies. Irish Aid is now an increasingly substantial player in international emergency response and recovery sectors.

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Press
19/3/08