Romania: Floods OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2005/0111

OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Romania - Floods

This situation report is based on consultations and communications between OCHA, the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Romania, and various partners such as IFRC as well as on available information from the media.

Situation

1. Romania is facing severe floods in its western, southern and especially eastern region, considered to be the worst in the last 50 years. It is the second wave of floods this year, after the first one hit the country in April. Moreover, because of the deterioration of weather, new floods are expected over the next days in other parts of the country, and most of Romania's 41 counties have been placed under alert. The worst situation is encountered along the Siret River. Its water levels have risen twentyfold in recent days.

2. During the last few days, floods have severely affected 6 counties: Alba, Bacau, Braila, Galati, Tulcea and Vrancea (the county with the largest number of localities affected - placed under alert). According to Government's estimates, in total, 581 localities were affected, 13,856 houses have been flooded, 1905 houses damaged, 368 houses destroyed, 16,561 outbuildings affected, 10,231 wells and about 1,100 bridges of various sizes damaged and over 12,166 persons evacuated. A total area of over 88,000 ha of agricultural land has been flooded, as well. Roads (hundreds of kilometres) and railroads are also flooded.

3. In eastern Romania roads are closed and railway traffic interrupted. Many areas have been left without electricity and gas.

National response

4. According to the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, the national and local authorities have responded very well to the situation. The Government has earmarked 140.5 billion new lei (4.7 million USD) for disaster relief efforts and Prime Minister Calin Pepescu Tariceanu has asked for donations to the affected population. Food supplies from state reserves will be sent to flooded areas. The Government has asked for assistance and will inform the international community of the specific needs. In this regard President Basescu has requested the European Commission Delegation in Bucharest for an emergency allocation for repairing the damaged road and railway infrastructure.

UN response

5. The UN Country Team has been mobilized and is in constant contact with the Government.

International Assistance

6. OCHA, UNDP through the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, IFRC, NATO and interested donors are in close contact on the situation and will revert with further information as it becomes available.

7. This Situation Report and information on ongoing emergencies is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int.

MAP - Romania: Floods

Tel. +41-22-917 1234
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:

Ms. Charlotta Benedek
Direct Tel. +41-22-917 1205
E-mail: benedek@un.org

Mr. Ricardo Mena
Direct Tel. +41-22-917 1455
E-mail: menar@un.org

Press contact:

(GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, Direct Tel. +41-22-917 2653
(N.Y.) Ms. Stephanie Bunker, Direct Tel. +1-917-892 1669