Namibia Floods - June 2009 - £5,000

 

Over 700,000 people have been affected by the severe flooding which has damaged crops and homes

The President of The Freemasons' Grand Charity has approved an emergency grant of £5,000 to the Red Cross to support their relief work following the worst floods to affect Namibia in 40 years.  The money will help to fund the costs of the deployment of the mass sanitation emergency response unit.  This unit specialises in preventing the outbreak of diseases, vital in a situation where there is flooding and where many thousands of people have been displaced.

Over 700,000 Namibians are believed to have been affected by the severe flooding which hit six regions and led to the declaration of a state of emergency.  Crocodiles and hippos were reported to be swimming though the flood waters, attacking and killing people and even though the rains have now subsided the resultant damage to homes and crops has displaced thousands and is expected to lead to food shortages in the coming months.

One of the Namibian Red Cross volunteers who is helping to distribute aid in the affected regions

The Red Cross emergency appeal will help 20,000 people to receive assistance with their immediate needs.  There is particular concern that the affected communities may be vulnerable to diseases such as malaria and cholera and there is critical need for clean water, sanitation, treatment and hygiene kits. 

The grant from The Freemasons' Grand Charity will make a vital contribution towards the relief work of the Red Cross.  In addition to constructing temporary latrines and assisting with sanitation and waste disposal the Red Cross will be distributing thousands of blankets, tents, mosquito nets, hygiene kits and over half a million water purification powder sachets. 

For further information about the grant please contact Katrina Baker on 020 7395 9314.