Central America Floods

Independent Films, Global Warming, Social Responsibility Movies

Perhaps overlooked because of famine in the Horn of Africa and other devastating floods in SE Asia, Central America's plight caused by torrents of floods may be overlooked, despite loss of life estimated in hundreds and many more lost homes, farms, schools and businesses. UN Deputy humanitarian chief Catherine Bragg began a four-day visit to Nicaragua and El Salvador to highlight the impact of recent flooding in Central America.

Bragg in Nicaragua described the flooding “a real disaster” given that “close to 10 percent of the geographic area” in the country is under water.

According to the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), heavy rainfall throughout the country had caused flooding and landslides, severely damaging property, vital infrastructure, agricultural crops and the environment.

Over 10,000 houses have been affected. More than 10,000 people are in emergency shelters, and many others have sought refuge in schools, communal centres and churches.

Bragg said she has “seen areas where the poorest of the people were affected and had to be evacuated” to much drier land.

Water sources and latrines have also been affected raising concern about disease outbreak. Access to remote areas is still limited, as many roads are blocked by debris or isolated by flooding and landslides.

The UN has launched a US$14.3 million appeal for victims in Nicaragua and another US$15.7 million for El Salvador.

Directors:

• Muhamed Sacirbey (UNTV-OCHA)

Producers:

• Susan Sacirbey (UNTV-OCHA)