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Central African Republic: Floods destroy houses, infrastructure; rapid spread of cholera feared

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The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross and Red Crescent emergency response. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation’s disaster response system and increases the ability of National Societies to respond to disasters.

CHF 166,245 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Central African Republic Red Cross (CAR RC) National Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 353 families, i.e. about 1,765 beneficiaries. Un-earmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Summary: Since 11 October 2011, torrential rains have been falling in most localities of the Central African Republic (CAR). These rains caused flooding that affected 587 families (roughly 2,935 people) in the 7 th subdivision of Bangui (Ouango Sub Prefecture), the capital of CAR, and in the Male Local Council of the Paoua Sub Prefecture located about 510 km from Bangui.

Out of the 587 families affected by floods in both localities, CAR Red Cross volunteers have so far identified 353 families (about 1,765 people) as the most vulnerable who need urgent assistance. These are families that have lost their houses and property completely or partially to the floods. An emergency assessment conducted by Red Cross volunteers in Bangui and Paoua revealed that 303 houses have been destroyed completely, and 50 partially. While the luckiest of these families have found refuge in host families, others have been sleeping in makeshift shelters, practically in the open air. In addition to the trauma associated with the loss of their houses and belongings, these most-vulnerable people are exposed to the risks of weather and water-borne diseases. Although no human casualty has been reported so far, Red Cross volunteers have identified 58 water wells and 108 latrines destroyed or contaminated by flood waters. This has exacerbated problems of access to potable water in the affected localities.

Moreover, there is a cholera epidemic outbreak also affecting Bangui which is being addressed by the National Society (MDRCF009). The recent flooding is likely to cause the rapid spread of cholera within the population unless appropriate action is promptly taken. The rain continues to fall and is not expected to stop until end of November. The situation is further complicated in Male (130 km from Paoua) by roads that are typically impassable during the rainy season. Communication between Male and Bangui is very difficult, including telephone or internet.

CAR Red Cross believes that without a prompt and effective response, there might be an uncontrollable humanitarian crisis in the affected localities. Thus, this DREF is intended to help prevent a bigger humanitarian situation by carrying out activities in the areas of relief distribution, emergency shelter, potable water supply (treatment and rehabilitation of wells), sanitation and hygiene promotion.

This operation is expected to be implemented over 4 months, and will therefore be completed by 24 February, 2012; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 24 May, 2012).