Assistance to Flood Affected in Girón

Torrential rains lashed areas in Colombia between 8 and 14 February 2004, the north-east of the country being the worst affected region. There were major landslides, rivers burst their banks and the consequent flooding affected the population in these high risk areas. This period of heavy rain particularly affected numerous neighbourhoods and settlements in Girón in the Department of Santander.

The vulnerable and displaced communities that are located along the banks of the rivers Frío and Oro, which flow through the municipality, have been most affected by this emergency. According to figures provided by the Government Secretary for the Department, the interim death toll stood at 30, 40 people had disappeared and 28 thousand had been rendered homeless. The Minister for the Environment, Housing and Regional Development estimates that between five and six thousand homes have been affected by this bad weather. The victims are currently living in cambuches (shelters built from material such as tins, plastic and cardboard), churches, schools and public places in the city.

ACT member in Colombia the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO) has a Mission and Development office in this area. Since the beginning of the crisis they have been providing support to the affected population. In co-ordination with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF/DWS) they requested immediate support from the ACT Alliance and a Rapid Response of U$40,468 was sent by the ACT CO.

With this appeal they are proposing to assist the affected population through:

• Food and non food relief items

• Housing

• Psychosocial assistance

• Risk management training

Project Completion Date: 31 December 2005

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested US$

Total Appeal Target(s): 211,323

Less: Pledges/Contr. Recd.: 0

Balance Requested from ACT Alliance: 211,323 

White Rakuba
Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office