$18 million needed to assist Bolivians as floods continue

(La Paz/New York, 25 February 2008): The United Nations appealed on Friday, 22 February, on behalf of the Government of Bolivia for more than $18.2 million in order to provide critical humanitarian assistance to people affected by floods and landslides.

Heavy rains, which have continued to batter all parts of the country since November 2007, prompted floods, mudslides and landslides that have claimed 52 lives and left nearly 60,000 families, or some 300,000 people, in need of immediate humanitarian assistance.

These extreme events caused by the La Niña climatic phenomenon are affecting all nine departments of Bolivia, with Beni, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz the worst hit. In many cases, vulnerable communities have lost their livelihoods and income for the third year in a row.

'The increase in the number of disasters around the world is a very worrying trend, especially since the most vulnerable groups are always the hardest hit,' said John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. 'We cannot predict when a disaster will hit, but when it does, we must mobilise resources and efforts to ensure that aid reaches those affected without delay,' he added.

Even though response and coordination, compared to previous years, have visibly improved and local and regional authorities have endeavoured to provide immediate assistance, the extent of the emergency, both in terms of geographical area and time period, has surpassed the Government's ability to respond.

'I is good to see the Government, local authorities, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), all working together to ensure that vital assistance reaches those in need,' said Mr. Holmes. 'I encourage the international community to support these efforts generously,' he added.

The Bolivia Flash Appeal aims to enable humanitarian agencies to provide food, shelter, water and sanitation, essential health care and other basic items and services to people affected by floods and landslides. Assistance projects in agriculture, education and child protection are also part of the appeal. Eight United Nations agencies and eight NGO partners are seeking to carry out thirty relief projects over the next six months.

Out of the $18.2 million sought through the flash appeal, more than $2.2 million has already been granted from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in support of critical life-saving activities, including the areas of food, shelter, health care, agriculture and education. This puts the unmet requirements at almost $16 million.

For further information, please call: Christina Bennett, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 8059, mobile +1 917 435 8617; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570.