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18 January 2002 By Yasmina Petrovic in Algiers and France Hurtubise in Dechria "After our first visit we noticed men particularly were in almost complete denial about the situation they were in," says Leila, a psychological support worker with the Algerian Red Crescent (ARC), touring areas of the capital, Algiers, wrecked by November's flash floods and mudslides. "It could be either pride, or maybe the fatalism which is deeply rooted in our religion, but men seem to have more trouble facing this reality," she adds. Leila's team - which also includes Kermad Nacera - a doctor, Nabila - a nurse, and Meriem - the coordinator of the ARC volunteer programme - sets off every morning with medical and first aid supplies. They get round three sites a day, on average. "This city's women really seem to be confronting the situation better," says Leila, "taking on the role of head of the family if they have to." Algiers was by far the worst hit single area in the floods late last year, suffering most of the 752 deaths. A torrent of water, mud and debris crashed down into the capital from the surrounding hills. Many houses in poor districts like Bab El Oued were simply swept away, while larger apartment buildings were flooded up to their second storey. "After a few visits we can see the difference in people," Leila says. "They gradually climb out of their passive state and begin to tackle their problems." "It's as if they begin to see a little light in a very dark ocean," Nabila adds. "I'd like to think they find our presence reassuring." "We have to persevere with this work as long as they need us," Leila says. "Physical wounds might heal quickly, but the wounds of the soul don't." The Red Crescent operation in Algers is multiskilled. One mobile team assesses need; a second carries basic relief such as food, water and clothing; the third - Leila's - addresses medical and psychological requirements. They work virtually without pause. Thousands of families had to camp out in schools, mosques and sports centres after the floods. In Dechria, a coastal resort 200 kilometres from Algiers, it was complete devastation in November. For several days the small town was totally cut off after roads and bridges were swept away. Now, two months on, more than 4000 people are still living in tents, exposed to the winter weather blowing in from the sea. Farouk remembered the day it started: "It was as if the mountain had been washed clean of all its debris. There were no more houses. The little we had was gone." A recent two-day field trip to the region included a medical team, relief workers and a coordinator from the Algerian Red Crescent. Each family received a blanket, a food parcel, clothing, a kitchen set and some toys for the children. The medical team treated several people suffering from bronchitis, while volunteers installed a bladder tank donated by the Netherlands Red Cross that will provide clean water to the population of the Dechria tented encampment. "Until every family is relocated in March or April, we will pay particular attention to their shelter needs so they can face cold coastal weather in relative comfort and dignity," says Dr. El Fahchouche Baroudi, who is responsible for relief and training at the Algerian Red Crescent. "We have pre-positioned food and other commodities for future distributions by the local branches," he adds. And here too, ARC specialists are offering much-needed psychological support to people still traumatized by the disaster. The severity of the flash floods in Algeria, which followed a severe drought that had ironically led to restrictions on water use, were a shock, and their impact on the capital was described as catastrophic. But Algeria is no stranger to natural disaster. The Chlef region itself, for example, suffered two deadly earthquakes - in 1954 and 1980. |
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