By Zeba Mbuvi - Communications
Plans to respond to the floods that
hit Bualle and Sakow districts in southern Somalia are underway. The floods
displaced an estimated 32,500 people who are in need of shelter and medicine.
Stephane Vaugon, World Vision Somalia's Programme Development Manager says the organisation has received a $50,000 commitment from World Vision UK, and has also submitted a funding proposal to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
At this stage, World Vision is looking to implement a six month relief program worth around $1.4 million. Mr. Vaugon says World Vision is still appealing for donors to assist towards alleviating the plight of the flood victims.
Immediate needs are food, drugs and plastic sheeting. A World Vision Somalia team is scheduled to visit Bualle next week (20 June) for about four days. Their mission is to conduct a vulnerability assessment and to carry immediate medical supplies.
"The water levels have receded from an initial 8.4m to 8m. People are still displaced and we will need to address a possible food shortage in the next two weeks," said Food Security Coordinator Barnabas Okumu.
In Bualle, the floods submerged 30 villages and destroyed all the crops, while 7 villages are under water in Sakow district.
World Vision has food security, education, health and gender/FGM projects in the affected districts.