In a report released at a news conference in Dushanbe, Rustam Nazarzoda, Chairman of the Emergencies Committee under the Government of Tajikistan, noted on February 11 that damage caused by natural disasters last year has been estimated at 59 million somonis.   

According to him, eight people were killed in various natural disasters last year.  “Four of them were killed by mudslides, two others were killed avalanches and two other people were killed by lightning,” head of the emergency management agency said.  

“Besides, 107 people drowned in rivers and water bodies due to non-compliance with safety rules, which is 34 cases fewer than in 2019,” Nazarzoda said, noting that their employees rescued rescuers 55 drowning people.  

In all,  213 emergencies were reported in Tajikistan last year. 

Disasters that were reported in the country last year completely destroyed 41 residential buildings, partially damaged 22 schools and kindergartens, 14 bridges and 89 kilometers of roads and affected 18,800 hectares of agricultural lands.  

The most devastating disaster last year occurred in the Khuroson district of the Khatlon province.  Recall, continuous heavy rains resulted in floods and mudslides between May 14 and 16 in Asadullo, 18th Partsyezd (Party Congress) and Pakhtaobod villages of the Khuroson district, Khatlon province.    Dozens of homes in these villages were partially or fully destroyed.  Two men reportedly died and several others were injured from the natural disaster.  

There were 338 households (1,690 people) heavily affected in the Khuroson district.  Around 305 households were evacuated to neighboring villages into safe places.  The Government commenced relief operations in some affected districts and calls for assistance from in-country humanitarian partners