Floods Displace Thousands of Venezuelans

CARACAS, Venezuela, July 26, 2002 (ENS) - More than 20,000 additional residents have been displaced from continued flooding in southwest Venezuela, bringing the total to 50,000 people affected by the floods. The hardest hit region remains Apure State, where five people have been killed.

Four of the dead were killed as floodwaters inundated the town of Guasdualito, 800 kilometers (500 miles) southwest of Caracas, and vast areas of surrounding farmland.

Apure River (Photo courtesy Government of Venezuela)

The Venezuelan Red Cross says some families are reluctant to evacuate since they are fearful of vandalism and theft. Damage to infrastructure such as bridges and roads is extensive as is loss of crops and livestock. In addition, there is a lack of drinking water as many wells have been contaminated by the flood waters.

President Hugo Chavez has decreed a state of emergency in six states and ordered the creation of a National Emergency Committee to deal with the flood disaster, headed by Environment Minister Ana Elisa Osorio.

President Hugo Chavez (Photo credit unknown)

Medical personnel fear the spread of disease could contribute to the problem as pools of stagnant water filled with dead animals and trash cover the ground. Already, children and the elderly have sought treatment for diarrhea and other maladies doctors blame on the contaminated water.

Federal officials plan on fumigating the region to prevent mosquito borne diseases.

A contingency plan has been prepared to evacuate another 10,000 persons living in high risk areas, in case the level of the rivers continues to rise.

The Venezuelan Army as well as the Red Cross are providing relief assistance to the affected population. The Red Cross reports that 80 latrines have been installed as well as potable water systems such water tanks supplied by Oxfam, water bladders, pumps, water containers, pipes and chlorine tablets for disinfecting contaminated water.

Telecom Sans Frontières has arrived in the country and is working closely with the Red Cross in the affected zone: six satellite telephones and two satellite internet and fax systems have been set up to facilitate communication.

On Thursday, Venezuela appealed for international financial support to help provide food, medicine and shelter for the people forced from their homes by flooding.

Banco del Pueblo customers in the Apure region will receive help in the form of financial support for small industries. Bank president Humberto Ortega Diaz says that the Banco del Pueblo board of directors will meet over the next few days to discuss possible ways to assist businesses that have been affected by the 25 days of heavy rains.