DUSHANBE, May 19, 2009, Asia-Plus  - A May 18 government meeting, presided over by President Emomali Rahmon, considered issues related to mitigation of effects  of torrential ran and resulting floods and mudslides that hit the southern Khatlon province in April-May this year, according to presidential press service.

Speaking at the meeting, the Khatlon governor Ghaybullo Afzal noted that 148 residential buildings were destroyed completely and 127 other houses were damaged partially in the Khuroson district alone.  Heavy rainfalls and mudslides damaged dozens of residential buildings in other districts of the province as well.  Torrential rain affected more than 15,000 hectares of agricultural fields in Khatlon.  Besides, local farmers had to replant cotton and other agricultural crops on an area of totaling 10,000 hectares, the governor said.

President Rahmon charged relevant bodies to finance construction of new residential buildings for the disaster-hit people due to state funds.  He demanded at the meeting that the new residential buildings should be finished by November 6 this year.  Rahmon also ordered to provide the disaster-affected people with temporary dwelling for the time being and take adequate measures to ensure provision of them with foodstuffs and safe drinking.  He also urged to control targeted used of preferential loans provided by the government and aid provided by international community.

The meeting also considered issues related to implementation of the national budget, socioeconomic development, rational use of water and energy resources, etc.