Emergency drought operation in Uzbekistan
12 February 2002

Grinding poverty and three years of drought have left thousands of families sick and destitute in parts of Uzbekistan. Uzbek Red Crescent emergency food distributions are now underway to 20,000 people among the worst-affected populations in Chimbai and Kegeili districts, in the northern part of the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan. More than 150,000 people will also benefit from re-stocking of essential drugs and the provision of preventive health care.

The first distributions began February 4 and will continue over the next two weeks. In all, 440 tonnes of food will be distributed to large farming families left without any income due to failed harvests. Every family will receive two months of food rations, consisting of wheat flour, rice, vegetable oil, pulses and salt. The next distribution will take place in April.

Nine northern and central districts, representing more than 60% of the total territory of Karakalpakstan, have experienced severe crop shortages, with the yield at less than half normal levels. Low precipitation means there will not be enough snow and the level of water in the Amudarya River - the only irrigation water available - will keep dropping.

"During the Federation field assessment mission we undertook last summer in Uzbekistan in the drought-affected regions, we have talked to farmers who cannot work and who have nothing to bring back to their families," Mohamed Babiker, International Federation regional disaster preparedness delegate says. "There are thousands of people left with no food stocks and nothing to sell to buy food. They suffer from malnutrition and winter is the worst season of all for them."

Each of 30 medical institutions will receive a stock of medical equipment and medicines, including basic anti-diarrhoeal medicines and water filters. The National Society is also launching a health education campaign targetting young mothers in particular.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

In Almaty,
Ilmira Gafiatullina, Regional information officer Tel :+ 7 3272 918-838, mobile 7-3332-211-311
Mohamed Babiker, Regional disaster management delegate Tel : + 7 3272 918-838

In Geneva :
Marie-Françoise Borel, Information officer Tel.: + 41 22 730 4296 / +41 79 217 33 45
(Could journalists wishing to join a media trip to the field planned for Feb 17 to 20 please contact Ilmira Gafiatullina in Almaty)

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.