Belgrade, 17 May 2014 - At the request of the Government of the Republic of Serbia received late last night, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Serbia will provide urgent assistance to the population affected by the floods. The Serbia UNCT has immediately activated its emergency response systems to obtain the life-saving equipment (boats, portable water tanks and , pumps for pumping water from the suction hose, canister for drinking, rescuing bags, dry suits for work and rescue on water, lamps, etc.), as well as hygiene kits, mattresses, food. Psycho-social assistance will be provided to children and their parents in the shelters. The UNCT is in continuous contact and meetings with the Government and the Red Cross in order to have updated and precise information on the additional needs.
In addition to the provision of the humanitarian assistance, the UNCT will also support the Government in conducting needs assessments and launching emergency assistance appeals.
The UN is fully mobilised and stands ready to provide the Government with support in coordinating the international emergency assistance. The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will dispatch its specialized team to Serbia early next week who will work closely with the Sector for Emergency Management of the Ministry of the Interior.
For additional information, please contact:
Jadranka Milanovic, jmilanovic@unicef.org
mobile; +381 63 336 283