LONDON, Feb 28 (APP) :The United Kingdom has airlifted aid worth 1.5 million pounds (US $ 3 million) to support international relief efforts for the growing humanitarian crisis in the Central Asian State of Tajikistan hit by the severe wintry conditions and energy crisis.

risk by the severe winter temperatures and the energy crisis facing the country, the UK’s International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander said on Thursday.

He said the Department for International Development (DFID) has organised two separate emergency airlifts to transport vital supplies including blankets, baby warming beds and generators, in the next week.

“These will be distributed through the UN, who are co-ordinating the international community’s response to the situation with the Government of Tajikistan, “ said Alexander who added, “The harsh winter, combined with the growing energy crisis, is putting many tens of thousands of Tajik people at risk.

He said the UK’s support, along with that of the international community, will help the most vulnerable through the worst of the current situation providing generators for schools and health clinics left without electricity, and blankets and baby warmers will give vital support in the freezing conditions.

Tajikistan is currently suffering a severe winter, with temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees. The freezing weather is exacerbating an energy and water crisis in the country, with heavy snow and frozen rivers leading to unprecedented and extensive power cuts in the capital Dushanbe, and other major cities.