DUSHANBE, September 28, Asia-Plus - In response to Ambassador Jacobson''s Disaster Declaration concerning the Khatlon region affected by the recent earthquakes, the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing $50,000 to meet the immediate relief needs of those affected by earthquakes in the Qumsangir district, Khatlon Province, in southern Tajikistan, a source in the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said.   

On July 29, two earthquakes caused significant damage in this area, killing three people and impacting 16,512 others.  In addition, the earthquakes destroyed 1,083 houses and damaged another 1,568.  Although the reconstruction of the houses has begun, construction has progressed slowly and many residents remain homeless as winter approaches. 

On September 20, the United Nations issued a $1Million appeal to address the urgent needs of the affected population, which includes emergency shelter and relief supplies. 

In response, USAID/OFDA is providing $50,000 toward the U.N. appeal to support shelter-related activities for 2,500 beneficiaries.  This assistance is provided in addition to the $24,500 worth of relief supplies delivered to the affected communities immediately following the earthquakes in July.