Tajikistan is having a terrible time

[ensho]

http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/index.php?smp=&lang=eng


Unusually dry weather continues. This, combined with persisting energy shortages, is seriously affecting agricultural activities and irrigation of fields and orchards. Almost the entire irrigation water comes from water pumps on the riverbeds or the tube wells, both relying on electricity. Yet the electricity supply is still limited to a couple hours a day in many parts of the country, particularly in most remote areas. In particular, permanent electricity supply in the district of Khatlon region has not yet been established. The districts around Kurgan-Tyube are only receiving electricity few hours per day. Since there is a lack of access to alternative fuel, water pumps provide only a fraction of the irrigation required at this time of the year. Orchards and vineyards have begun to suffer from the lack of water while wheat, the main grain crop, has failed to grow properly. Regional REACT team in Khatlon (South West part of the country) reports episodes of mudflows, landslides, storms and floods, which caused a death of one person. On 5th May, heavy rain and mudflows caused damage to property and wheat, vegetable and cotton crops, worth TJS 40,000 (approximately USD 11,500). Also of particular concern locally are increasing food prices. Fears related to global food crisis provoked an increase in purchases of food, mostly wheat flour, vegetable oil and rice.)
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