UN provides relief supplies to flood-hit Mali

(Bamako, 17 October, 2007): In Bamako, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) today handed over 32 metric tonnes of supplies valued at $370,671.55 to the Director General of Civil Protection in Mali. The supplies are designed to provide aid in the wake of natural hazards, such as the recent floods that have struck the country. The floods have had serious consequences for those affected, some of whom have resorted to taking shelter in schools.

Delivered by a United Nations plane, the supplies are a contribution from the Governments of Italy, Norway and Ireland. They include 13 electrical generators, a rapid rescue boat, five water purification units, 22 water cisterns, 100 tents, 1500 water filtering units, 2250 jerry cans, 750 blankets, 900 kitchen sets, and 10,000 bars of soap.

M. Joseph Byll-Cataria, UN Resident Coordinator in Mali, noted that this contribution completes the series of measures undertaken by the UN country team in response to the floods. It is in addition to a contribution of over one million dollars for the World Food Programme and the UN Children's Fund from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which will provide aid for affected populations for three months.

Inspector-General Hamaye Traore, Secretary General a.i. of the Ministry of Internal Security and Civil Protection, who received the supplies on behalf of the Government, expressed appreciation for UN assistance at these difficult moments for the country. He added that the supplies will go to the most appropriate destinations.

According to the Malian Civil Protection estimates, this year's floods have affected more than 42,000 people in Mali. In addition to material damage making numerous people homeless, floods expose the population to serious health risks such as water born diseases, malaria and malnutrition.

For further information, please call: Moctar HANNE, Chargé des Affaires Humanitaires, OCHA/Mali; Tel: (00-223) 222 01 81, email:hanne@un.org; Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; 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.