UN rushes aid to flood survivors in Central African Republic

The United Nations system continues to rush aid to the Central African Republic (CAR), following devastating August floods that swept the capital, Bangui, ruining over 2,500 homes and affecting nearly 20,000 people.

After appealing to individual donor countries for funds in response to the crisis, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has authorized an emergency grant of nearly $18,000 for the country.

For its part, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), together with a local partner, has distributed 30,000 litres of clean water.

After evaluating the need for specific health measures with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided anti-malarial medicines, and is carrying out an information campaign on hygiene, since the floods have increased a number of disease threats. WHO will also provide drugs to national medical facilities, and will work to strengthen an epidemiological monitoring system.

UN agencies have already provided therapeutic high-nutrition biscuits, water purification tablets, jerry cans for clean water, and petrol lamps, which have been distributed through the national Red Cross.

The CAR Government and national Red Cross had asked the UN to provide food, medicines, kitchen utensils, mosquito nets, clothing, blankets, sanitation materials, as well as construction materials for emergency rehabilitation.