More rains expected in Suriname as experts assess situation

(New York: 15 May 2006): As water levels in some eastern parts of Suriname continue to rise, the Suriname National Coordination Centre for Disaster Control (NCCR) has reported that the floods that began earlier this month are the largest disaster in recent times in the interior of Suriname. With more heavy rains forecast, the situation is expected to deteriorate. The situation of displaced people in the east is serious, especially for villagers living on small islands, which are now completely flooded.
On 13 May, an assessment team left for Sula in eastern Suriname. The mission is comprised of staff from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team, and the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO). On the same day, a UNDP/UNDAC assessment team left for Brownsweg. Needs assessments by the military and civil defence are ongoing.

The first cases of diarrhoea have been confirmed in two villages and respiratory infections are increasing. Access and the organization of relief distribution are challenging. Road transport is increasingly difficult because the roads have been affected by the rain and by the heavy trucks carrying relief materials. As dry firewood is scarce, cooking fuel and charcoal are needed. Clean drinking water and sanitation (including hygiene promotion) are other high-priority needs. There is also a need for supplementary food parcels and shelter materials.

So far, the authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have supplied over 7,000 food packages, but the need for food will continue because families have lost their crops. The Suriname military is also distributing hygiene items, while the Medical Mission (MM) is providing primary health care services in the interior and the Ministry of Health has activated medical crisis teams. Temporary health clinics are being set up on higher ground where possible.

New pledges for assistance to Suriname include approximately $64,000 (50,000 euro) from France and a $50,000 grant from the United States.

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.