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Alert
Bolivia
Post flood related diseases and food insecurity
Geneva, 24th September 2014
1. Brief description of the emergency and impact
Bolivia was hit by the worst flooding in the last 60 years in the first 4 months of this year. According to the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Bolivia (SENAMHI), « la niña » and « el niño » phenomena caused overflowing of « La Paz » and « Maniqui » rivers, impacting thousands of families in Beni and Cochabamba departments.
According to the Humanitarian Network of Bolivia 60,000 families have been affected, 2,000 households destroyed and 150,000 head of cattle and a number of small livestock lost.
146 out of 339 communities still are affected by the post floods conditions. The affected population is suffering from a lack of drinking water systems which had increased related diseases such as gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory infections, and skin irritation, mostly in pregnant women and children.
Family farms have not yet recovered due to the scarce economic resources for buying seeds and animals.
2. Why is an ACT response needed?
The extended impact of flood damages and its after effects are beyond the local capacities, families are far away from rebuilding a normal life and productivity. The ACT support will contribute to reduce their vulnerabilities and restore human dignity.
3. National and international response
Humanitarian assistance was provided by the government and NGO’s in isolated affected regions. The Civil Defense received cooperation from other countries such as Argentina, who sent tons of medicine and water purifiers. The United Nations sent 2,000 tents, the Inter-American Development Bank provided $300,000; Japan sent 240 tents and $75,000 to support the psychological recovery of children and teens. The Pan American Health Organization provides emergency assistance.
4. ACT Alliance response
The Forum has carried out a situation assessment in coordination with affected communities. IEMB, Evangelical Methodist Church of Bolivia, is planning the ACT Forum response. An appeal will be submitted in the following days.
5. Planned activities
The ACT Forum is planning to respond in the Municipalities of Rurrenabaque and Yucumo in the Beni Department, and in the Municipalities of Puerto Villarroel and Entre Rios in the Cochabamba Department, where IEMB has a presence, focusing on health, household rehabilitation, water systems restoration and resilient soil management.
6. Constraints
There are logistical limitations in the region affected.
Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jean-Daniel Birmele, Director of Finance (jbi@actalliance.org)
