Continuous
heavy rains in Bolivia since the end of November 2007 have resulted
in floods and landslides affecting nine departments in the country.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
reported on January 26, 2008 that some 24,430 families were affected
in both rural and urban areas.
The
government has declared a state of emergency and made a request for
international aid. The homes of about 13,000 families were destroyed,
as well as 10,000 hectares of rice, potatoes, corn, wheat and quinoa
(type of cereal). Banana plantations, vegetable gardens and livestock
were also affected.
The
health situation has worsened with cases of bronco-pneumonia reported
in the mountainous and high plane areas, as well as cases of dengue
fever in the tropical areas. The government has delivered food and
medicine to the most affected population.
ACT
International members present in the country, the Evangelical Methodist
Church in Bolivia (IEMB) and Lutheran World Relief (LWR), are currently
assessing the damage and needs of affected families. LWR has implementing
partners working in the departments of Potosí and Chuquisaca. IEMB
works in coordination with their local congregations in various provinces
of the La Paz Department.
Since
rains have been predicted to last until March 2008, it is likely that
already vulnerable rural families may suffer significant losses in
terms of food and income. Rural migrant families, many who live in
suburb areas in poorly built houses, are amongst the hardest hit population.
ACT
members are coordinating with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bolivia
(IELB). Future interventions could likely include the rehabilitation
of homes, water supplies and agriculture. ACT members are considering
plans to submit an ACT appeal to the ACT Coordinating Office (CO).
Any
funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jessie Kgoroeadira,
ACT Finance Officer (jkg@act-intl.org).
