BRAZIL - FLOODS
Heavy rains and landslides that started on January 11th have left 486 municipalities affected, 782 people dead, 16,877 homeless and 64,864 displaced in the Southeast, Midwest, and South regions.
The response from the national authorities includes logistic support from the military forces to the Civil Defense, in support of the search and rescue efforts. The military is also supporting field hospitals, which accommodate up to 400 people daily. The national Red Cross has been providing support to the temporary shelters.
Brazil's Ministry of Health is monitoring water and vector borne diseases and respiratory diseases. The authorities are closely monitoring water sources. The Government declared a state of public calamity for 180 days in the 7 most severely affected municipalities.
PAHO/WHO has been working with the Ministry of Health since the beginning of the event, providing technical support. PAHO/WHO is also participating in the Crisis Committee of the Health Surveillance Office and has supported the communication activities of the Ministry of Health. The Pan American Foot and Mouth Disease Center a (PANAFTOSA, a PAHO/WHO center) is also supporting the authorities with food quality and prevention of infectious diseases.
COLOMBIA - FLOODS
The rainy season that affected a great portion of the Colombian territory impacting over 2,2 million people affected. The efforts are now focused on reconstructing the affected territory.
The governments of Russia, Mexico, India and Argentina have donated over 6 million dollars as humanitarian aid. The national Red Cross, with help from the ICRC, has given food and basic articles to over 23,000 people. The Colombian Government has guaranteed access to healthcare to the population affected by the emergency.
PAHO/WHO, in coordination with the Ministry of Social Welfare and UN agencies, has mobilized Immediate Response kits. The kits include medicines, household water treatment equipment, and materials for the implementation of Oral Rehydration Units. Permanent technical support is provided to the local authorities.
For more information: http://www.paho.org/disasters.