United Nations appeals for $9.2 million for Bolivia

(New York: 23 February 2007): The United Nations is today launching a six-month Flash Appeal for $9.2 million for Bolivia, where flooding produced by the El Niño phenomenon has affected more than 350,000 people and displaced more than 25,000.

"Bolivia is facing one of its most devastating disasters ever. The international community must show its solidarity and engage to support the more than 350,000 people who have been affected. The UN system in the country is coordinating international aid as requested by Government authorities", said Alfredo Marty, Acting Resident Coordinator and Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Bolivia.

The El Niño phenomenon has affected eight of the country's nine departments with flooding and landslides, as well as drought, hail and freezing weather. At least 34 deaths have been recorded, as well as damage to housing, infrastructure and agriculture. The most vulnerable communities have already lost their livelihoods, and heavy rains are continuing.

In responding to the disaster, the United Nations dispatched a five-person Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team, which has been working with the United Nations Emergency Technical Team (UNETT) to coordinate the response activities of United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with those of national authorities. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has made a $50,000 emergency cash grant available for urgent relief activities, and UNDP has made a $100,000 grant available.

As the number of families in need rises daily, the World Food Programme (WFP) has identified 13,000 families -- approximately 65,000 people -- that require assistance. Already, the WFP has provided food to more than 12,000 families.

Water and sanitation conditions have also been seriously affected, with water supplies damaged and/or contaminated and some wells flooded. Lack of sanitation and hygiene is becoming a secondary threat to the affected population. In response, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will lead relief agencies' efforts to provide water and sanitation supplies, carry out technical assessments of water quality, clean contaminated wells and construct temporary latrines. Already, the population in flooded areas has experienced an increase in acute respiratory infections (ARIs), diarrhoeal diseases, and skin diseases, as well as dengue fever. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will support the provision of health care to affected populations and help provide epidemiological tracking to prevent disease outbreaks.

In the agriculture sector, reports indicate that some 71,000 hectares of crops have been partially or totally lost. A number of livestock have perished, while a large number of stranded cattle are at risk of illness and death. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will support the provision of agricultural supplies and veterinary assistance to affected families in order to support the recovery of their livelihoods.

Additionally, the Bolivian Ministry of Education indicates that at least 282 schools have been flooded, while 30 are being used as temporary shelters, preventing children from starting classes. The UNICEF will support the rehabilitation of affected schools, and help to provide temporary alternative sites and supplies for children to continue their education.

The UNDP is also participating in the appeal. Its work will focus on supporting coordination, logistics, infrastructure rehabilitation, and income recovery, among other areas.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; Kristen Knutson, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 9262; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570. OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int