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ACT Alert
Argentina
- 1/2003
Severe
Flooding in Northeastern Argentina
Geneva,
1 May, 2003
Intense rains, affecting the northeastern part of Argentina, have
caused an unprecedented flooding of the Salado river, that has risen
two metres above normal within 72 hours. The most affected province
is Santa Fe, specifically its capital Santa Fe City, where 50,000
people have been evacuated. The city is completely isolated with 75
% of the city and its surroundings under water. For security reasons
the electricity supply has been cut off for 70 % of the city.
The Salado River continues to rise and it is expected that other
areas will be affected bringing the number of evacuees up to 80,000
in the Santa Fe area. The Civil Defense has reported that the floods
are the worst in 100 years and the President described the situation
as a "national catastrophe". A state of emergency has been declared
in 36 localities of Santa Fe Province.
ACT member in Argentina, The Argentine Federation of Evangelical
Churches (FAIE), reports that the most affected in Santa Fe City
are those living in ten of the poorest neighborhoods located in the
low lying areas of the city. According to the first reports received
by the FAIE from the churches located in the affected area, the community
in general, and the churches, in particular are trying to respond
to the immediate need of the affected population. The most needed
relief items are: blankets, mattresses, clothes, food, medicines and
tents. The FAIE is assessing the situation through the local churches
and will apply initially for support from the Rapid Response Fund.
An appeal may be forthcoming.
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