This Preliminary Emergency Appeal seeks CHF 805,260 (USD 708,993 or EUR 534,133) in cash, kind, or services to support the Central African Red Cross Society (CARCS) to assist over 6,000 beneficiaries, identified as the most vulnerable out of the nearly 11,000 people affected by the floods. The operation will be implemented for six months, and will be completed by the end of January, 2010. A Final Report will be made available by April 2010 (three months after the end of the operation).
CHF 35,302 (USD 32,500 OR EUR 23,270) was allocated from the federation's disaster relief emergency fund (dref) to support this operation. Un-earmarked funds to replenish dref are encouraged.
From 16 June to 17 July 2009, heavy rains poured on Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), causing serious flooding which led to the destruction or damage of over 2,500 houses. As a result of this disaster, two children have died, and close to 11,000 people have been made homeless and have lost their basic property, including household items, clothes, books for school children, and other essential belongings. The majority of these vulnerable people, mostly children, pregnant women and the elderly, have been left with no means of subsistence. Latrines and water wells have been blocked.
Based on the current situation, this Preliminary Emergency Appeal responds to a request from the CARRCS, and supports an appropriate and timely response in delivering assistance and relief in the following sectors: relief distribution, emergency shelter, emergency health and care, water, sanitation and hygiene promotion, and logistics. This assistance will include the two internal displaced persons (IDP) camp sites management, distribution of relief items, potable water supply, construction of latrines, self-assistance activities related to hygiene, water treatment and management, and the management of a relief post. All these activities will be carried out in close collaboration with UNFPA, WHO, WFP, UNICEF and UNHCR. Technical support to the Central African Republic Red Cross National Society will be provided through Regional Disaster Response Team (RDRT) members and delegate deployment.