Flooding in Southern Africa

21/02/2008

Tropical Storm Ivan threatens more damage for millions affected. Ottawa, ON (February 21, 2008) - Canadian aid agencies, under the banner of the Humanitarian Coalition, are urging Canadians to help prevent a humanitarian disaster. The situation for flood survivors across Mozambique is expected to worsen as Tropical Storm Ivan makes landfall today and brings more rain to this already vulnerable region.

The HUMANITARIAN COALITION, comprised of CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec and Save the Children Canada, are working together to address the needs of the thousands of people already displaced by the floods. "The government and the national and international agencies are attending the most urgent needs of the displaced population, mainly food, shelter, clean water and sanitation facilities, such as latrines", said Chris McIvor, Save the Children's Country Director in Mozambique. He continued, "there have been over 4000 case of cholera reported so far and we fear that malaria rates will be also the rise. We must continue distributing mosquito nets and offering educational opportunities in the camps about proper hygiene. In order to do this, we need the support of generous Canadians." According to official figures currently over 100,000 people living in resettlement centers, but this is likely to increase significantly if flood waters rise due to Tropical Storm Ivan. There continues to be an urgent need for food, shelter, safe water and to ensure hygienic conditions in the resettlement centers. "We applaud the local governments that have prevented what could have been a major catastrophe, however, the fact remains that the survival needs are still great. The extent of the flooding will slow the planting of new crops," said Pierre Véronneau, CEO of Oxfam-Québec. "We urge Canadians to help provide the funds to support children and their families for at least one year across the region." The Canadian government has provided $249,508 to Oxfam for water, sanitation, hygiene kits and public health promotion for approximately 8,000 people. Four of Canada's leading relief organizations will continue to coordinate a fundraising appeal to respond to the flooding in Southern Africa, which has already affected close to 500,000 people. Through a single toll-free number, Canadian donations will be allocated where they are needed most. - 30 - Canadians are asked to donate to THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION by calling 1-800-464-9154, logging onto http://www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca, or by mailing donations to THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION, P.O. Box 1221, Station K, Toronto, ON, M4P 3E4. For background on the mission and current programs run by the four agencies, please visit http://www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca The four agencies have spokespeople (French and English-speaking) available for interviews on the emergency response. Media Contact: Alexandra Lopoukhine, Media Relations, The Humanitarian Coalition, Tel: 613.237.5236 ext. 222, Cell: 613.762.9727,