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Severe Floods Overwhelm Families in Bolivia
Westport, Conn. (March 1, 2007) — Responding to what the United Nations has described as the worst natural disaster in Bolivia's history, Save the Children is working to assist children and their families caught up in the severe flooding that has destroyed homes, schools, crops and livelihoods.
According to the Bolivian government, tens of thousands of people have been forced from their homes, and entire towns have been cut off by rising waters. In all, more than 350,000 people have been adversely affected by the severe weather.
Heavy rains since December 2006 in almost all of the Bolivian territory have caused the overflowing of major rivers, including the Río Grande, Pilcomayo, San Juan del Oro and Bermejo. Numerous communities, particularly in the Amazon Basin region have been swamped — their populations left with few options. Landslides and road obstructions have isolated many rural communities as well. Meanwhile, health officials have reported more than 1,600 cases of dengue fever and 1,400 cases of malaria since the current crisis began.
"The needs of children, especially in lowland areas, are enormous," said Gary Shaye, Save the Children's Bolivia country director. "This disaster is threatening the lives and well-being of children now — and it will have severe long-term impacts on their living conditions, education and family's economic stability."
Save the Children has donated approximately $150,000 worth of medicines, which it received from AmeriCares, to the department of Santa Cruz. The agency will provide additional medicines, also received from AmeriCares, to the city of Trinidad on Monday, March 5, 2007. Water containers and water treatment packets will be distributed at that time. The U.S. Agency for International Development is providing transport and other assistance to Save the Children.
In addition to addressing immediate survival needs, Save the Children will work with communities to help stem the spread of dengue fever. The agency will assess the status of children and may provide its signature emotional-support and safe play programs to communities if needed.
Save the Children, which has been working in Bolivia for more than 20 years, is the leading independent organization creating lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. For 75 years, Save the Children has been helping children survive and thrive by improving their health, education and economic opportunities and, in times of acute crisis, mobilizing rapid life-saving assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters.
You can help Save the Children respond to emergencies that put at great risk the survival, protection, and well-being of significant numbers of children. By contributing to the Children's Emergency Fund, you enable us to respond immediately to children and families who urgently need our help when disasters strike.
