DUSHANBE, February 16, Asia-Plus  -- The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are providing more than $830,000 to the people of Tajikistan after extreme winter weather and an energy crisis have caused a humanitarian crisis in the country, press released issued by the US Embassy in Dushanbe on February 15 said.

This funding will help provide fuel, heaters, clothing, household supplies, and health services to those in need through USAID partners Save the Children, CARE, and Mercy Corps.

The U.S. Department of State is also shipping more than 259,000 humanitarian daily rations to Tajikistan. The total value of the rations, including transportation, is $1.6 million, bringing the total value of U.S. Government humanitarian assistance to nearly $2.5 million.

Since January 2008, extreme cold weather and social and economic factors have resulted in food insecurity, power shortages, and damage to agricultural assets and water systems in Tajikistan, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Food insecurity is affecting more than 550,000 people, of whom at least 260,000 need immediate assistance, according to the UN World Food Program and other international partners.

The $2.5 million in emergency assistance is in addition to the United States’ regular support of Tajikistan’s vulnerable communities, which includes $8.5 million through the Food for Peace program.

The U.S. Government stands ready to further assist the people of Tajikistan should it be necessary.