The third wave
of flooding in Romania started August 20, when the southern regions
of the country were hit. Two counties - Mures and Cluj – have been
severely devastated by flash floods, while a third county - Harghita
- was hit by a sudden wave, two meters high. The flash flood hit the
eastern side of Harghita county particularly hard, quickly devastating
15 villages and the administrative capital of the county, Odorheiu
Secuiesc. Large buses and trucks were thrown about like small toys,
and houses were flooded instantly or destroyed. Bridges have fallen
apart, and electricity and communication are cut in many villages
around Odorheiu Secuiesc.
Field workers
of ACT member AIDRom Emergency Unit reached the area
the evening of August 25, bringing with them two water pumps in their
pickup truck, which were put immediately to work. Four additional
pumps were sent the next day. The bishop and vice bishop of the Reformed
Church of Romania also rushed to the area to see the condition of
the affected people, particularly because the floods were occurring
in their diocese, not far from their residences. On August 26 the
bishop and AIDRom field workers carried out a joint evaluation of
damages and needs. The first reports from the field indicate that
there is high demand for fresh drinking water, bread and canned food,
as the provisions of the people were seriously decimated. In addition,
there is a substantial need for water pumps.
Various humanitarian
organizations have expressed their readiness to assist the people.
On August 29, a coordination meeting was to be held in Bucharest with
the emergency department coordinator of Caritas Romania. This meeting
was originally scheduled to discuss the coordination of the relief
response in Moldavia, but the new floods were expected to be an additional
topic for discussion.
The bishop of
the Reformed Church of Romania (a funding member of AIDRom) has already
asked for logistical assistance from AIDRom Emergency Unit in case
the church will initiate aid action based on the survey done.
The response to
other flood disasters (in two earlier ACT appeals - EURO51 and EURO52,
currently being implemented) is stretching the capacity of the AIDRom
Emergency Unit to the limits. Therefore, AIDRom will carefully consider
to what extent it can further engage in an emergency response in the
newly affected region.
This is an extraordinary
situation, unprecedented in the last 50 years, and AIDRom Emergency
Unit recognizes the need to respond accordingly.
AIDRom will keep
the ACT Coordinating Office informed of the situation and any possible
response.
