CERF allocates $386,000 for emergency assistance to flood-affected populations in The Gambia

Two girls in The Gambia [Photo: UNICEF]

30 October 2009: Responding to the heavy flooding in The Gambia, CERF has allocated $386,500 to UN humanitarian agencies working in the country. 

The Gambia experienced heavy, torrential rains throughout August and September 2009, which caused extensive flooding and resulted in loss of lives, crops and livestock, as well as large scale damage to infrastructure and household property.

Preliminary reports indicate 15,000 people have been affected at various levels and approximately 5,000 people are currently displaced. The displaced have sought refuge in neighbouring houses, and around 5 percent are residing in schools and community structures.

In response to the situation, three UN agencies will use CERF funds to help 14,724 people, including 5,488 displaced by the floods in six regions.  The World Food Programme (WFP) will use $255,000 to provide emergency food assistance.  The World Health Organization (WHO) will conduct health interventions to prevent disease outbreak and deaths related to flooding by using $71,500 from CERF.  The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will use $60,000 to provide water and sanitation services to prevent illness and deaths related to the flooding.

[Last Update: 20 November 2009]