Oxfam Canada

Published purpose

3 November 2011 - Since the first week of October, large parts of Central America have experienced torrential rains, leading to severe flooding and landslides in several countries. In Guatemala, an estimated 550,000 people have been affected by the flooding with almost 8,000 homes destroyed and 38 deaths. Access to safe water has been interrupted in many rural areas, while many communities do not have the required equipment to treat contaminated water. In terms of health, the rainfall and flooding has resulted in increased cases of respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly people, as well as diarrhoea and skin fungus infections in affected areas. In addition, damage to bridges and roads has hindered the supply of emergency aid to more remote communities. With CIDA support, Oxfam Canada aims to work to meet the water, sanitation, health and hygiene needs of flood-affected households in the Guatemalan departments of Chimaltengango and Suchitepequez. Specific activities include: the distribution of water filters and water containers to ensure safe water consumption and storage in flood-affected households; the repairing and cleaning of flood damaged wells; the distribution of essential hygiene items and mosquito nets to affected families to meet their health and hygiene needs; and, the provision of health, hygiene, and sanitation promotion and training activities to flood-affected communities.