Appeal Target: US$ 147,750

Torrential rains and strong winds swept the Eastern part of Romania from September 5 – 7, affecting in particular the counties of Galati, Vrancea, Bacau and Vaslui in the Moldavia province. Nine people lost their lives to the floods, while 13,800 houses were flooded, resulting in the evacuation of 4,116 people and the complete destruction of 900 houses. Water wells were polluted, bridges destroyed and national and county roads damaged. Official reports estimate that the total damage amounts to $300 million US.

The floods have affected a particularly vulnerable region, the population of which is made up by 80 percent farmers, many of them living in conditions that can only be described as precarious. Their homes and furniture were washed away, they have lost their crops and cattle, and will have a difficult time during the winter without resources.

During the floods, the army and volunteers, quickly saw to it that water and food supplies were provided to the affected population. Measures to prevent the spread of diseases, such as vaccination and disinfection campaigns were undertaken. Access to some roads have been restored. However, important needs remain in term of medication, hygiene items, clothes, construction material, seeds and farm animals, as well as the rehabilitation of wells, roads and pedestrian bridges. The Romanian Government has earmarked about $15 million US for the reconstruction of 900 homes. It will also address the rebuilding of bridges and roads, as well as providing medical items. However, this will not cover all the needs and the government has requested assistance from local and foreign NGOs.

Within this context, ACT member Ecumenical Association of Churches in Romania (AIDRom) plans to assist three villages from the county of Galati: Gohor, Brahasesti and Toflea—all three which have Roma populations. AIDRom has already brought water and food parcels as crisis phase assistance, with funding received from the ACT alliance through it Rapid Response Fund. It further plans to assist communities by rehabilitating houses, distributing construction tools, household utensils, seeds and basic household refurnishing items. AIDRom, with its long-term experience in emergencies, will implement the appeal through partnerships with local churches and mayors’ offices.

Project Completion Date: May 2008

Reporting schedule:

Interim narrative & financial: 31 January 2008

Final narrative & financial: 31 July 2008

Audit: 31 August 2008

Signed by:

John Nduna
Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office