AKIPRESS.COM - Since floods and mudslides struck residents of the Gharm area of the Rasht Valley on July 20, the United States Government, through USAID and Mercy Corps, has provided $50,000 in humanitarian assistance to help affected households, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said August 19.

This assistance includes tents, sanitation kits, water, and other emergency supplies to families in Bedak, Halkarf, Pingon, and Mazori Bolo. All assistance has been targeted to meet the requests of the Government of Tajikistan and is coordinated through the joint government-donor-non-government Rapid Emergency Assessment and Coordination Team (REACT).

On August 5, 2015, Ambassador Susan Elliott, recognizing the significant damage in the Rasht Valley, issued a disaster declaration in order to meet the request for assistance from the Government of Tajikistan. Ambassador Elliott recently toured the disaster affected area on August 12, 2015 and met with mudslide victims and international humanitarian organizations.

According to REACT, the floods have already killed at least 8 people, and displaced more than 500 from their homes. Earlier this month, the United States provided more than $60, 000 in humanitarian assistance including tents, sanitation kits, and other emergency supplies to families in Barsem, Kolkhozobod, and the Rasht District. The combined assistance efforts of various agencies and partner organizations represent the U.S. Government’s firm commitment to support the people of Tajikistan in their time of need.