The Government Of Ecuador Declares State Of Emergency Due To Flooding

Main Category: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Also Included In: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 05 Mar 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The Government of Ecuador has declared a national state of emergency due to extensive flooding caused by heavy rainfall with 13 provinces severely affected.

To date there have been 16 deaths, and 16,000 people have been evacuated to shelters; amongst them more than 8,000 children.

The effects of the rains include; overflowing rivers, submerged crops, destruction of fields and houses, displacements, and death of animals. Schools and churches are being used as temporary shelters. There is a high risk of an outbreak of diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections, skin diseases, leptospirosis and problems caused by snake bites.

In response to the Government's official request for aid , UNICEF will deliver 600 mosquito nets, 100 mattresses, 100 blankets, 100 hygiene kits, 400 "Return to Happiness" backpacks, as well as 500 water tanks and 14 water chloride equipments.

UNICEF supports the Ministry of Health in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea-caused diseases by providing oral dehydrations salts. This week, UNICEF staff will give intensive capacity training to 100 public functionaries in charge of organizing the shelters.

UNICEF is also working in cooperation with the United Nations' Inter-Agency Team (UNETE) which is part of UNDAC.

About UNICEF

UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

http://www.unicef.org

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