Flooding in Romania
In the Spring and early Summer, and largely unnoticed by the world's media, the central and eastern areas of Romania suffered their worst floods for 50 years. The following summary is taken from a press release from the Romanian embassy in London, and gives some idea of the magnitude of this disaster:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Beginning with the second half of April 2005, Romania has successively been hit by severe waves of floods. Initially affecting the south-western part of the country, the high floods have extended to the south and, with unprecedented force, to the south and north-east.
According to government sources, the results of the disaster sum up as follows: · 21 dead · 31 counties affected · 608 localities affected · 17,144 houses flooded · 8,379 houses damaged · 18,715 household annexes damaged · 11,425 persons evacuated · 153,585 ha agricultural land destroyed · 433 km national and county roads destroyed · 1,187 km communal roads destroyed · 1,683 bridges and footbridges destroyed · 16,857 water wells flooded · 12,000 cattle/domestic animals drowned · 84 localities cut from electricity/gas/telephone/water supply · 93 social objectives affected · hundreds of km of railway tracks destroyed · 12 localities (villages and communes) isolated
All possible means of emergency assistance have been taken up by the Romanian State and Government, including the engagement of the police, gendarmerie and army forces. Evaluating the magnitude of the calamity, 31 counties have been affected out of the total of 41, of which 4 highly severely. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Throughout the summer the Romanian national TV stations have been running footage of the flooding, as part of an appeal for help for the victims. The dramatic pictures showed water up to the eaves level of houses and people camping on railway embankments as the only dry places left.
During April we were offered seventy aid boxes, intended for tsunami victims but which had missed the boat to Sri Lanka. They had been prepared by the Rotary Clubs around Dorchester. We were able to take them, not realising that they would indeed give help to the victims of flooding, albeit in a different continent from that intended. After communications to the area had been re-established we were able to start sending some of the boxes to the victims of the flooding in the Galati area, together with a supply of tinned food from our warehouse. Below, a grateful recipient.
In late August, the rain came again, this time to the area where we work. There have been a lot of people asking for help, either to repair damaged housing or to replace property which has been lost due to localised flooding.
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Joy in a Box
Once again last Christmas we had the privilege of distributing the gift boxes that many supporters had been preparing during the previous six months. As you read this, the first of this year's boxes should be on their way to Romania. The main consignment is due to go in early-October so that will be the deadline for those who are planning to prepare boxes this year.
If you want further information about the gift box scheme then please see our website at www.roafan.org.
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The 2005 RoAF Duck Race
The 2005 RoAF Duck Race took place on the River Mole on Saturday 18th June. All the ducks were sponsored and nearly £500 was raised to help with the distribution of aid in northern Romania. Many thanks to those who helped make the event such a success, including the Horley Scouts and the management of the Six Bells. Now look out for the 2006 Duck Race!
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Forthcoming
Events
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This newsletter is published on behalf of the Romanian Aid Foundation and Asociatia Neemia. For further information or to be added to the newsletter mailing list please use our response page or write to us using the contact details below: The Romanian Aid Foundation 179 Albert Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 7HS, UK; email: info_@_roaf.org The Romanian Aid Foundation is UK Registered Charity No. 1060828.
Asociatia Neemia Str Spiru Haret nr 9, Dorohoi, Botosani 6850, Romania. Telephone 0231 610059; email: Beni_@_roaf.org
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This newsletter is © Romanian Aid Foundation, September 2005. Link to previous newsletter: Spring 2005 |
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