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Canada responds
to flooding in the Balkans --------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Prime Minister | Cabinet du Premier Ministre --------------------------------------------------------------- Canada’s support will address immediate needs of thousands of affected families June 7, 2014 – Toronto, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada Today Corneliu Chisu, Member of Parliament for Pickering–Scarborough East, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced $800,000 in funding to help meet the needs of thousands of people affected by the flooding and subsequent landslides in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Serbia in the Balkan region. “Canada is concerned by the impact of the devastating floods and landslides in the Balkans,” said Minister Paradis. “Through Canada’s support, we are helping to ensure that the immediate needs of affected families are being met.” Since May 13, 2014, heavy rainfall has caused massive floods and landslides in BiH, Serbia and, to a lesser degree, Croatia. The floods are said to be the worst in 120 years and have wrought significant destruction. BiH and Serbia were the most affected, with several major cities completely flooded, and landslides in mountainous regions. "Canada's humanitarian assistance plays a vital role in improving the lives of those most in need around the world," said MP Chisu. "We are ensuring that the people affected by the floods in the Balkan region are receiving immediate emergency support through our partners on the ground." There are 15 million people living in the affected countries, 3.1 million of whom are reported to be affected by the flooding and landslides. Canada will continue to monitor the situation closely and will respond as appropriate. Quick Facts - In Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1.5 million people are reported to be affected by the floods. There have been at least 2,000 landslides, which have not only destroyed homes, but also shifted mapped landmines left from the Balkan wars in the 1990s. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world, with an estimated 120,000 mines and other unexploded ordnance. - In Serbia, 1.6 million people are reported to be affected by the floods, with extensive damage done to buildings, roads, bridges, and as much as 200,000 km2 of farmland flooded. Related Products Backgrounder – Canada’s response to the May 2014 Flooding in the Balkans Associated Links Canada’s International Humanitarian Assistance Program Contacts Sandrine Perion Press Secretary Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie 819-953-6238 sandrine.perion@international.gc.ca Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada 343-203-7700 media@international.gc.ca Follow us on Twitter: @DFATD_DEV Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DFATDDevelopment Canada’s Response to the May 2014 Flooding in the Balkans Today’s announcement will provide support to the following organizations to meet critical needs and services, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation and shelter: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), through the Canadian Red Cross ($400,000) Bosnia and Herzegovina ($200,000) – The Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina will assist 10,000 flood-affected families by providing: - water purification tablets and jerry cans; - water, sanitation and hygiene promotion; - livelihoods assistance; and - general health awareness, landmines awareness and psychosocial support. Serbia ($200,000) – The Red Cross of Serbia will provide assistance by: - distributing food and core relief items to 2,400 vulnerable families; - providing water, sanitation and hygiene promotion to 10,000 families; - helping 10,000 families return to their homes; and - providing early and adequate psychosocial support. The Canadian Red Cross has also deployed a communications delegate under the Strategic Partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) to work with the Red Cross Society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Save the Children Canada ($400,000) Will provide assistance to 12,400 flood-affected families in Zenica-Doboj Canton by: · distributing essential household kits; · providing water and hygiene kits; · providing child-friendly spaces where children can play and socialize; · addressing the needs of infants and pregnant and lactating women in collective centres; and · conducting cleanup and refurbishment of school facilities. FR: http://www.international.gc.ca/media/dev/news-communiques/2014/06/07a.aspx?lang=fra |
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