Aportará 35.000 euros al fondo global de 187.000 euros

Cáritas. 5 de marzo de 2012.- Cáritas Española ha decidido aportar 35.000 euros al fondo global de 187.155 euros solicitados por las Cáritas de los Balcanes para hacer frente a las graves consecuencias de la severa ola de frío polar que afectó semanas atrás a toda la región de los Balcanes y que ha dejado aisladas a cientos de miles de personas, sin acceso a alimentos ni servicios básicos. Miles de familias se enfrentan grandes dificultades para asegurar unas condiciones de vida adecuadas en sus hogares.

By Giovanni Zambello

The plight of thousands of people continues in Europe where forecasters say that icy conditions are unlikely to improve before the end of this week. In the last 11 days, several Red Cross societies have been in a race against time to reduce the impact of the extreme cold. Estimates so far suggest 389 have died, and official sources say the winter has been the most brutal in decades.

With temperatures expected to drop below -30 in Eastern and Central Europe this week the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has warned that thousands of homeless people are at risk. Over 80 people have already died in Poland and Ukraine. The sudden cold snap has affected a huge swathe of Europe, from southern Italy to Turkey, and north to Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Russia.

This Bulletin is being issued for information only, and reflects the situation and the information available at this time. The Federation is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation at this time.

The International Federation undertakes activities that are aligned with its Global Agenda, which sets out four

In Brief

This Information Bulletin provides an overview of Red Cross response to a summer of devastation across several countries in Europe, particularly floods in Central and Southern Europe as well as floods and forest fires in Western Europe.

Catalogue of devastation

Romania: The latest floods over

1. Situation update:
1.1 The "State of Disaster" declared by the Bulgarian authorities, remains in place in 4 municipalities and 2 districts in Sofia-City.

1.2 However, with reference to complicated situations and disasters all over Europe, the State Agency for Civil Protection on behalf of the Republic of Bulgaria has decided to cancel the request for assistance. They would like to express their gratitude to all nations and organisations that have provided assistance through the whole period.

2. Assistance provided by EAPC Nations:

1. Situation update:
1.1 The "State of Disaster" declared by the Bulgarian authorities, remains in place in 15 municipalities: Dolna Banya, Kostenets, Gorna Malina, Botevgrad, Svoge (Sofia District); the Municipalities of Novi Iskar and Vrabnitsa (Sofia-City District); the Municipalities of Belovo, Velingrad, Pazardzhik, Panagyurishte, Septemvri and Lisichevo (Pazardzhik District); the Chepelare Municipality (Smolyan District).

1.2 As a result of heavy rain, strong wind and hailstroms in different parts of the country, the situation remains of concern.

Bulgarian GSM company Mobiltel made another donation for the recovery from flood consequences. After the first donation, which amounted to BGN 100 000 (around EUR 50 000 ), today was signed a contract with the Civil protection Agency, of BGN 500 000 ( EUR 250 000). The donated funds will be used for the purchase of boats, tools, motor