DUSHANBE, May 7, 2001, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon has urged Khatlon regional administrators as well as the Committee for Emergency Situations to undertake all necessary efforts to mitigate effects of mudflows that hit the city of Kulob and other areas of the country today, according to presidential press service.

The president also extended condolences to families and relatives of those killed by mudflows and ordered heads of ministries and organizations to provide financial assistance to the disaster-hit population.

A special republican commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Murodali Alimardon is currently working in the disaster area.