American Refugee Committee and HARO respond to floods in Somalia
Minneapolis, MN (October 4, 2012)—Floods have devastated communities in central Somalia’s Hiiraan Region. According to the United Nations, more than 21,000 people have already been forced from their homes due to flooding of the Shabelle River. Hundreds of thousands more are at risk. Houses, wells, and latrines have been destroyed.
The American Refugee Committee and HARO have been asked by the Somali National Disaster Management Agency to respond to the flooding crisis in Somalia. The teams will conduct an initial humanitarian assessment. They plan to provide critical relief items, such as mosquito nets, plastic sheeting, soap, water purification tablets, and jerry cans for water. The teams will also establish a medical post and safe spaces where children can play and return to normalcy.
Experts warn that—unless help is delivered quickly—waterborne diseases could pose a severe health risk to Somalis living in the region.
The joint assessment team plans to deploy by the end of this week. Team members include health and water/sanitation experts from ARC and disaster respondents from HARO.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN REFUGEE COMMITTEE:
American Refugee Committee programs are built from the ground up. We work with people at the most vulnerable points in their lives, when they have lost everything to war or disaster. They let us know what they need most, and we work together to develop ways to help them get it. Our programs are as diverse as the people we serve, but they all work together for the same goal: to help people take back control of their lives. We have worked with refugees around the world for more than 30 years, and our 2,000 staff members help nearly 2.5 million people a year throughout Africa and Asia. ARC is building a 21st Century humanitarian organization rooted in co-creating with committed people to provide more meaningful solutions to humanitarian crises worldwide. Our “I AM A STAR” campaign serves as a grassroots platform to take action for Somalia, connect with others, and support and be inspired by our global neighbors. ARC teams operate relief programs on the ground in Somalia, offering life-saving services such as clean water, health care, sanitation, employment opportunities, and programs to keep women and children safe. We are based in Minneapolis, MN. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/IAMASTARforSomalia or www.ARCrelief.org .
ABOUT HARO:
The mission of Humanitarian African Relief Organization (HARO) is to empower the needy and the indigent to make informed and healthy choices to counter the social and economic problems endemic in parts of Somalia and East Africa. HARO teams present awareness, education, and assistance in the form of food, shelter, and medicine. HARO is based in Minneapolis, MN. To learn more, visit www.harousa.org .