Asia-Pacific Water Forum

Disaster Management in Tajikistan

Central Asia is subject to more than 20 various types of the dangerous natural phenomena, including earthquakes, cloudbursts, landslips, avalanches and floods caused by breaking of glacial lakes. Any of these threats - especially their combination - can lead to the death of thousand people, leave millions people without a roof over the head and means of subsistence, to destroy an infrastructure, to cause problems with delivery of food and other goods, to poison the rivers and to cause long-term harm to people's health and to the economy.

Among the Central Asian countries Tajikistan due to its geographical position is more vulnerable to disasters. In this regard many international organizations and donors are supporting Governments efforts on preparedness, prevention and response to disasters and mitigation of their impact. In 2001 in Dushanbe it was established Rapid Emergency Assessment and Coordination Team (REACT) - the Disaster Management Partnership in Tajikistan. The main objective of REACT creation was promotion the sharing of information, logistics and other resources between partners active in the disaster management sector, including the Ministry of Emergency Situations (Committee on Emergency Situations and Civil Defense - since December 2006) and the Government of Tajikistan.

The group that involves over 50 state, local and international organizations and entities meets regularly to coordinate and share experiences on issues related to various areas of disaster management, including preparedness, response, mitigation and capacity building activities with national bodies. During emergency situations the partnership works closely together, coordinating response and assistance.

Detailed information is available at www.untj.org/react