The ACT members in Serbia held a meeting in Novi Sad
on 27 April to discuss the present flood situation and
a possible ACT response. It was felt that there is a strong need for
contingency plans as the situation is still very volatile and fluid.
It is still unclear whether the dykes, which are saturated by water,
will hold. If they break, the situation will become extremely serious.
It was agreed that the ACT members should plan to respond
to the actual situation. Information can be included in the Appeal
explaining that the situation may deteriorate drastically and what
action would then be needed.
ACT members Ecumenical Humanitarian Organization
(EHO) and Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) will prepare
a joint proposal for the area of Vojvodina possibly including the
villages of Mosarin, Titel, Belo Plato and Beocin. The proposal will
include the distribution of emergency kits (if still needed), agricultural
components (animal fodder and vegetables) as well as support to children
who have suffered in a stressful environment for weeks. Clean-up activities
in houses affected by the flood and rising groundwater will also be
included.
ACT member International Orthodox Christian Charities
(IOCC) will prepare a proposal for the area of central and eastern
Serbia. Proposed activities may include: cleaning of drainage channels,
agricultural components (recovery of land, animal fodder and cash-crops)
and distribution of relief items such as hygiene kits.
ACT member Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) together
with its local partner Philanthropy will prepare a proposal
for the area of Banat (east of EHO operational areas). It may include
some of the villages where EHO is working (Beocin), but the activities
will be different. The proposal will include water drainage, water
purification and distribution of disinfection kits. Some agricultural
activities may also be included.
ACT member Church World Service (CWS) will not
take part in the Appeal but assist with co-ordination. CWS will carry
out activities including distribution of food and hygiene kits, reconstruction
of houses and some agriculture activities in areas west of Belgrade,
Smederevo.
It has been further agreed that the members
will send their input for the Appeal to NCA, Pristina by 10 May for
compilation. The proposal is expected to be received by the ACT CO
by mid-May.
