Intense rains in the north-eastern part of Argentina has caused unprecedented flooding of the Salado river severely affecting the provinces of Santa Fe, Entre Rios and Santiago del Estero. The worst hit area was Santa Fe City being almost totally inundated by water. The official reports indicate that 23 persons died, 600 were missing and 140,000 affected (125,000 in Santa Fe City). It is also reported that 24,000 houses were damaged and 4,000 completely destroyed.

The population, whose houses were not destroyed, has gradually begun to return to their houses to clean up the debris. However, there are still areas under water and pumping of flood waters continues. Management of garbage and debris in the streets has been a major challenge. To date, there are still some 12,000 persons living in temporary shelters: schools; public and social centres as well as churches. 33,000 children will not be able to start school on time due to the occupation of the schools.

As unemployment is rife people are living in deplorable conditions, with no resources to access sufficient food, education or health assistance. There are hundreds of children roaming the streets without anyone to take care of them. The government is providing assistance to the most affected population, however, due to the precarious economic situation this help is insufficient.

ACT member in Argentina, The Argentine Federation of Evangelical Churches (FAIE) responded immediately to the emergency (through the pastoral council of Santa Fe City) providing material assistance and pastoral counselling to the most severely traumatised of the population. The ACT CO disbursed U$35,800 from the Rapid Response Fund to contribute to the initial response. Now, FAIE is proposing to contribute to the initial reconstruction efforts providing:

• Food assistance
• Cleaning and reconstruction of damaged houses
• Agricultural recovery
• Health and psycho-social assistance

Project Completion Date:

31 March 2004

Signed by:

John Nduna, ACT Acting Director

For full details of proposals and budgets, please click below to download a PDF file of the entire Appeal.

Argentina - Rehabilitation for Flood Affected - LAAR31 (file size: 45 Kb)

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