Oxfam Quebec

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 Honduras, the emergency has affected approximately 90,000 people, lead to 29 deaths, and has displaced 8,000 into temporary shelters. Several communities remain cut-off due to severe damage to the country’s transportation infrastructure. Further, the flooding has severely damaged the water supply systems and sanitation infrastructure in affected regions, including the contamination of the majority of water systems in many affected municipalities within Valle and Choluteca Departments. In addition to the lack potable water for drinking and washing, damaged water systems could cause severe health hazards in the region through contamination and infectious disease. The affected communities have already witnessed an increase in waterborne and respiratory infections. With CIDA support, Oxfam-Québec aims to work towards meeting the water, sanitation, and hygiene needs, and improving the livelihoods of flood-affected families of two departments in Honduras: Choluteca and Valle. Specific activities include: the distribution of clean water, water cleaning chemicals and water tanks; the repair and/or installation of latrines; the provision of basic hygiene and household items; and, the establishment of cash-for-work activities to repair water and sanitation infrastructure for families who have lost their livelihoods.