For longer-term programmes, please refer to the Federation s Annual Appeal.

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1 GUYANA: FLOODS Appeal no. 05EA January 2005 The Federation s mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. It is the world s largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in over 181 countries. In Brief THIS EMERGENCY APPEAL SEEKS CHF 2,042,000 (USD 1,721,727 OR EUR 1,320,872) IN CASH, KIND, OR SERVICES TO ASSIST 30,000 BENEFICIARIES (6,000 FAMILIES) FOR 6 MONTHS (click here to go directly to the attached Appeal budget) All International Federation assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. For support to or for further information concerning Federation programmes or operations in this or other countries, or for a full description of the national society profile, please access the Federation s website at For further information specifically related to this operation please contact: In Guyana: Guyana Red Cross Society, Dorothy Fraser, General Director; redcross@sdnp.org.gy, phone (592) , fax (592) In Guyana: Pan American Disaster Response Unit, Guillermo García, Water and Sanitation Delegate,; ; ifrcpa92@ifrc.org; phone ( ) In Panama: Nelson Castaño, Head, Pan American Disaster Response Unit; ifrcpa07@ifrc.org, phone (507) , fax (507) In Geneva: Luis Luna, Federation Regional Officer, Americas Department, Geneva: luis.luna@ifrc.org, phone (41 22) , fax (41 22) For longer-term programmes, please refer to the Federation s Annual Appeal. The situation Three days of torrential rains which began on 14 January have caused serious flooding in Guyana, affecting more than 150,000 people. This is the third time since late December that rains have caused flooding in the country s capital, Georgetown, and other coastal towns. After a day of relative sunshine the rains started again on 22 January causing increased flooding in many parts of the country, including in the capital Georgetown and surrounding areas. There are indications that the rainfall will continue to cause increased hardship for the affected population. Whilst the main airport is still functioning and accepting flights, the state owned radio station is not operating and the Municipal Airport has been forced to close. Furthermore, the heavy rains have cut off some areas along the eastern

2 2 coast of the country. There are also reports that one of the main canals in the capital city of Georgetown burst its banks. Houses have been completely flooded and many businesses have been forced to close in an effort to protect their goods. Government offices, courts and schools were also forced to close. In the eastern coastal region of the country, roads are flooded and impassable. In some areas, more than two feet of water are covering the roads, making several communities unreachable for rescue teams. Georgetown and the surrounding area is divided into two districts: Demerara-Mahaica and West Demerara- Essequibo Islands, both of which have been declared disaster areas by the Guyanese government. The district of Mahaica-Berbice, which is located on the east coast of the country, to the southeast of Georgetown, has also been declared a disaster area. The hardest hit communities are Albouystown, Shopia, Better Hope, Coldingen, Enterprise Gardens, Paradise and Enmore. Many residents in these areas live in poverty and the severe flooding has further exacerbated their already precarious situation. Thousands of people have been displaced by the floods and have been forced to seek shelter in one of the 15 shelters that have been set up in East Coast Demerara by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The GRC Headquarters was also transformed into an emergency shelter assisting those in need from the surrounding area. Tens of thousands more have also been affected by the floods and are in urgent need of potable water and food. To date, the Guyanese government has released 200 million Guyanese dollars (approximately USD 1,120,448 or CHF 1,332,025) for emergency relief. On 20 January, a telethon was held in Berbice County; money and food supplies from which will be channelled through the Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS). The Ministry of Health is concerned about waterborne diseases and health centres are reportedly operating extended hours. In flooded areas, alternative arrangements are being made to ensure that these services are available to affected persons. Hospitals in the country have been placed on alert to provide additional services. The Ministry of Health is also trying to ensure that people are able to locate to shelters which have been opened, but there have been difficulties in reaching those people most in need. In addition, Environmental Health and Vector Control Units are working with communities to ensure that an adequate supply of disinfectant is available in order to reduce the spread of disease. The Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU) has deployed a water and sanitation delegate to Guyana, the Regional Health Delegate is also currently in the country, together with the Coordinator from the Port of Spain Sub Regional Office; a regional intervention team (RIT) member who is an expert in water and sanitation has also travelled to Guyana to ensure support for the National Society. A PADRU Disaster Management Delegate is due to arrive in Guyana and a RITs member who is an expert in logistics, is on standby. CHF 150,000 has been released from the Federation s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) in order to facilitate prompt mobilization of relief goods from PADRU. Moreover, authorization for a further CHF 150,000 has been granted, should there be a need for immediate access to further funds for purchase and shipment of emergency relief supplies. The needs Immediate needs: On 20 and 21 January, the Guyana Red Cross Society s Rapid Assessment Teams carried out appraisals in thirteen communities in some of the most affected areas, particularly in the shelters. They were informed of six reported deaths whilst many people interviewed complained of diarrhoea and skin ailments. The food security, water and sanitation and health situation is precarious. There is also concern relating to the increase in dead animals and in vectors such as insects and rats. With large areas under water, access to certain areas within the capital city and its surroundings is difficult, making a thorough assessment impossible. The GRCS Rapid Assessment Team had to use small boats and upturned fridges, to reach some areas. From the assessment the following was emphasised: 95% of the communities reported more than 75% flood damage to houses, shops and other buildings.

3 3 In two communities, all inhabitants had taken the initiative to move from their dwellings to live on the main roadside whilst other communities indicated that if the floodwaters rose further, they too would have to evacuate. Some illnesses were reported included diarrhoea, vomiting, skin ailments (boils and rashes) and coughs. Scorpion and centipede bites were also reported. Many individuals are suffering from stress and anxiety. Due to flooding, boats are a requirement especially to facilitate the collection of safe water and the distribution of food. All communities expressed a need for potable water, food and toilets. From meetings with other agencies supplying water, the lack of chlorine in the country is seen as a major risk factor. With many food production plants unable to operate, especially the flour mill, and panic buying in shops, food supplies are running low. Cash crops and livestock have been severely affected; however, the extent of damage cannot be ascertained until the flood waters recede. Immediate needs are therefore for shelter, first aid, potable water, chlorine, food and non-food relief items. Longer-tem needs: In the longer term, health interventions for vulnerable communities are envisaged to promote improved awareness and behaviour change regarding safe water and sanitation, together with promotion of key health messages in target communities to raise consciousness relating to transmission of HIV/AIDS/STIs and TB. Ongoing provision of psychosocial support is required, both for GRCS staff and volunteers and vulnerable communities. It is also aimed to facilitate strengthening of the GRCS and hazard-prone communities capacities in disaster preparedness and response. Coordination The National Society has been maintaining close cooperation with the other agencies and local authorities in the country including the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), operated by the Joint Services (also known as the Joint Operation Centre (JOC) and Guyana Water Inc. (GWI). To date, meetings have been held with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), UNICEF, ECHO, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), the Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA/USAID), UNDP, OXFAM, the British government s Department for International Development (DfID) and the Inter American Development Bank. The GRC has taken the lead in coordinating the relief response by chairing a meeting at the GRCS Headquarters of over 20 local NGOs. The Guyana Red Cross, along with the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana, the Outreach Ministries Church and the Guyana Defence Force, is responding to the Civil Defence Commission s request to provide food to affected persons. The National Society is receiving support from private companies in its efforts to provide food and non-food relief to affected persons, including Shell, which is providing fuel for the National Society s kitchens and a generator to supply the GRCS with electricity. In addition, the Federation is providing logistics support to UNICEF, which is sending humanitarian aid to the affected areas. Cash and in-kind donations to the GRC have also been received from local individuals and the Chinese Red Cross. The proposed operation Since 18 January, GRCS volunteers have prepared and delivered 120 cooked meals a day increasing over three days to 500 meals a day for the most affected. The government is making arrangements to have the meals delivered in the flooded areas. In addition 1,000 family food boxes sufficient to feed a family of five for one week were prepared for distribution to three of the most affected areas. Based on the results of assessments carried out by the Federation and the Guyana Red Cross Society, a total of 10,000 vulnerable people (2,000 families) will benefit from meals prepared by the GRCS in the districts of Demerara-Mahaica, West Demerara-Essequibo Islands and Mahaica- Berbice, which been declared disaster zones. The beneficiary selection criteria will target all those whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the floods and will prioritize beneficiaries staying in shelters.

4 4 The Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU) has charted a flight to Guyana containing the following relief items: 5,000 blankets; 1,000 kitchen kits, 26 rolls of plastic sheeting, 1,000 hygiene kits (for a 5 member family) and 1,000 collapsible jerry cans for immediate distribution to the neediest families in community shelters. This consignment also included one ton of relief goods purchased by UNICEF and comprising jerry cans, oral rehydration salts, water purification tablets and health kits. Objectives and activities planned Emergency relief (food and non-food) Objective 1: 30,000 vulnerable beneficiaries (6,000 families) in Guyana have benefited from the provision of food and non-food items to assist them during the flood emergency. Following the identification of the worst-affected communities and beneficiary selection and registration, distribution of 12,000 food parcels in two distributions for 6,000 families will take place. In addition, 1,000 kitchen sets will be allocated to those most in need, together with 5,000 blankets for 1,000 families. In addition, 12,000 bed sheets will be distributed (2 per family), and 26 rolls of plastic sheeting will be provided to community shelters. Health Health and sanitation are increasingly major concerns since in the areas under water raw sewage has contaminated the population s water supply as a result of the bursting of sewage mains. There are therefore heightened fears of outbreaks of epidemics of diarrhoeal disease and cholera. Objective 1: The water and sanitation needs for 30,000 vulnerable beneficiaries (6,000 families) in Guyana have been assessed, and assistance delivered in this sector. Following needs assessments, distribution of water disinfectant and water jerry cans, comprising 2 x 20 litre jerry cans per family and chlorine for 3 months, will be take place, targeting 6,000 vulnerable families. Water quality surveillance will be ensured in coordination with the Guyana Water Inc. and the Ministry of Health. In addition, gallon water storage tanks will be installed and training of volunteers will take place in their use and maintenance. It is planned to distribute 6,000 hygiene kits consisting of toilet paper, towels, tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap, shampoo, sanitary towels, a razor and a refuse bag; together with 12,000 treated mosquito nets (2 per family) to 6,000 families. To boost awareness, dissemination of information on personal hygiene, water treatment and protection from insect bites will take place. Furthermore, educational sessions will be held in communities focusing on key health messages; this promotion will be based on messages in safe water and hygiene awareness supported by the distribution of leaflets. Volunteer promoters will be identified and supported in order to facilitate the education of communities in hygiene and water borne disease prevention. Clean up kits will be provided to 6,000 families consisting of a machete (cutlass), a shovel, a yard brush, gloves, masks, black plastic bags and buckets. Psychosocial Support Objective 2: The affected communities, staff and volunteers of the Guyana Red Cross plus have benefited from psychosocial support to assist them in recovering from the effects of the floods Consultation sessions will take place with members of the GRCS who express a need for psychological support services. Needs assessments will be carried out by the GRCS in the affected target communities and psychological support services will be provided in consultation with the local authorities. It is planned to organize training of GRCS staff and volunteers in psychological support techniques and training of trainer workshops will be held for the GRCS and partner organizations.

5 5 Objective 3: Awareness of vulnerable families will be raised in key health messages through an HIV/AIDS/STI and TB campaign. Production and replication of educational material with key prevention messages will be carried out. Educational visits to target communities will take place to ensure sharing of key health messages. Furthermore, a media campaign using the Federation website, radio, television and newspapers will be developed focusing on key health messages. Distribution of condoms will also take place in target communities. Strengthening of Preparedness and Response Objective 1: The capacity of the Guyana Red Cross Society and vulnerable communities in disaster response and community based disaster preparedness (CBDP) including First Aid have been strengthened It is planned to carry out community-based assessments and develop a training plan, as required. Following this, training of trainer workshops will be organized for the GRCS and its partners. Community-Based First Aid (CBFA) workshops and training sessions will be held. Training in logistics will be provided to the National Society by the Federation. An important part of this objective includes an evaluation of the National Society s preparedness for and response to disaster. Objective 2: The capacity of the Guyana Red Cross Society in the area of telecommunications has been reinforced. In order to improve disaster response capacity, assistance will be provided for the installation of a basic VHF telecommunications network linking the National Society headquarters and the branches. Training in order to strengthen telecommunications skills will be provided to staff and volunteers of the GRCS. Communications Advocacy and Public information The provision of accurate information to the public of the impact of Red Cross operations is a key activity. From this point of view, relations with the media are particularly important in order to convey the message of the Red Cross Movement. The Federation s information officer based in the Sub-regional office in Port of Spain will work to ensure that news articles and reports are regularly produced while the Federation will strongly advocate in favour of the respect of human dignity and the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Posters on water and sanitation have been sent by the National Society to radio and television stations for broadcasting; however, several of these stations are not able to operate as a result of flood waters. Media information on the operation is being published on the Federation web site. Capacity of the National Society Established as a branch of the British Red Cross in 1948, the GRCS became an independent National Society in 1967 and joined the Movement the following year. Volunteers are active in varying degrees in eight of the ten administrative regions. The National Society includes a total of 950 members and volunteers. The GRCS has contributed to the national disaster plan and works with the civil defence commission in training in disaster preparedness. The GRCS also takes a leading role during times of disaster. The Guyana Red Cross manages a convalescent home for malnourished children in Georgetown and a Meals on Wheels programme that serves elderly persons and persons and families affected by HIV/AIDS. The GRCS also runs programmes in first aid, health education, disaster relief preparedness, HIV/AIDS and youth. In 1996, the GRCS responded to severe flooding, providing assistance to 5,000 people. In 1998, the GRCS responded to droughts caused by El Niño. The Guyana Red Cross Society has launched a volunteer recruitment campaign as a result of the flooding and now has over 50 staff members and volunteers who are available to work in order to implement the floods response

6 6 operation. The National Society, supported by Federation staff members, was the first organization to launch relief efforts in response to the flooding. Capacity of the Federation The Pan American Disaster Response Unit, the Panama Regional Delegation and the Port of Spain Sub Regional Office are monitoring the situation and are providing support to the National Society. A water and sanitation delegate from PADRU and a RITs member with water and sanitation expertise have been deployed to Guyana. A further RITs member who is an expert in logistics is on standby. The Regional Health Delegate is also in Guyana, together with the Sub Regional Coordinator from the Port of Spain Office, and are both working with the National Society. Monitoring and evaluation Monitoring and evaluation will be ensured by Federation delegates, RITs members and staff of the Guyana Red Cross Society headquarters. Regular standard reporting on the operation will be carried out. Budget summary See Annex 1 for details. Susan Johnson Director National Society and Field Support Division Markku Niskala Secretary General Budget below; click here to return to the title page and contact information.

7 BUDGET SUMMARY Guyana - Heavy rains and floods TYPE RELIEF NEEDS APPEAL No. 05EA001 VALUE IN CHF ANNEX 1 Shelter & constructions 13,000 Clothing & textiles 86,000 Food & seeds 720,000 Water & sanitation 137,000 Medical & first aid 3,000 Utensils & tools 328,000 Other relief supplies 102,000 TOTAL RELIEF NEEDS 1,389,000 CAPITAL EQUIPMENT Computers & telecom. equipment 21,000 PROGRAMME SUPPORT Programme support (6.5% of total) 133,000 TRANSPORT STORAGE & VEHICLE COSTS Warehousing & distribution 115,000 Transport & vehicle costs 78,000 PERSONNEL Expatriate staff 123,000 National staff 54,000 Consultants 10,000 Workshops & training 3,000 ADMINISTRATIVE & GENERAL SERVICES Travel & related expenses 56,000 Information expenses 26,000 Administrative & general expenses 34,000 TOTAL OPERATIONAL NEEDS 653,000 TOTAL APPEAL CASH, KIND, SERVICES 2,042,000 LESS AVAILABLE RESOURCES (-) 0 NET REQUEST 2,042,000