The ACT members in Serbia held a meeting
in Novi Sad on 27 April to discuss the present flood situation and
a possible ACT response. It was felt that there is a strong need for contingency
plans as the situation is still very volatile and fluid. It is still unclear
whether the dykes, which are saturated by water, will hold. If they
break, the situation will become extremely serious.
It was agreed that the ACT members should
plan to respond to the actual situation. Information can be included in
the Appeal explaining that the situation may deteriorate drastically and
what action would then be needed.
ACT members Ecumenical Humanitarian Organization (EHO) and Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) will prepare a joint proposal for the area of Vojvodina possibly including the villages of Mosarin, Titel, Belo Plato and Beocin. The proposal will include the distribution of emergency kits (if still needed), agricultural components (animal fodder and vegetables) as well as support to children who have suffered in a stressful environment for weeks. Clean-up activities in houses affected by the flood and rising groundwater will also be included.
ACT member International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) will prepare a proposal for the area of central and eastern Serbia. Proposed activities may include: cleaning of drainage channels, agricultural components (recovery of land, animal fodder and cash-crops) and distribution of relief items such as hygiene kits.
ACT member Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) together with its local partner Philanthropy will prepare a proposal for the area of Banat (east of EHO operational areas). It may include some of the villages where EHO is working (Beocin), but the activities will be different. The proposal will include water drainage, water purification and distribution of disinfection kits. Some agricultural activities may also be included.
ACT member Church World Service (CWS) will not take part in the Appeal but assist with co-ordination. CWS will carry out activities including distribution of food and hygiene kits, reconstruction of houses and some agriculture activities in areas west of Belgrade, Smederevo.
It has been further agreed that the members will send their input for the Appeal to NCA, Pristina by 10 May for compilation. The proposal is expected to be received by the ACT CO by mid-May.
For further information please contact:
ACT Director, John Nduna (phone ++41 22 791 6033 or mobile phone ++ 41 79 203 6055) or
ACT Appeals Officer, Mieke Weeda (phone ++ 41 22 791 6035 or mobile phone ++ 41 79 285 2916)
ACT Web Site address: http://www.act-intl.org