United Nations Radio

The UN country team in Tajikistan warns of possible floods and landslides all over the country, as well as a higher than usual locust infestation.

It is expected that because of favourable weather and incomplete spraying last year, the locust infected areas might exceed 150,000 hectares. This is a 30 per cent increase from 2007.

The UN is urgently asking donors for $1.4 million to provide shelter and non-food items for 1,500 households in case of disaster.

In addition, the Food and Agriculture Organization seeks $500,000, to buy pesticides and equipment needed to avoid a potentially catastrophic locust outbreak. FAO warns that if the funds are not received by the third week of April, it may not be possible to avert the catastrophe.

For UN Radio, I am Elena Vapnitchnaia.

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