Published: 9 February 2006
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched an appeal for 1.8 million Swiss francs (euro 1.1 million/USD 1.3 million) to support the emergency relief operation of the Iraqi Red Crescent for victims of heavy floods which have hit the northern part of the country.
The funds will be used to purchase food, tents, blankets, stoves, heaters and soap to respond to the immediate needs of 5,000 families (25,000 people), many of whom have already been made vulnerable by the continuing conflict in the country and are living in camps for displaced people.
The Iraqi Red Crescent has already begun distributing essential items and food from its stocks. The International Federation released 400,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund on 8 February to help the operation get underway immediately.
Heavy rains in northern Iraq have caused rivers to overflow, causing extensive damage to homes, roads and other infrastructure. This flooding has been exacerbated by the simultaneous natural melting of snow in the mountains. The heavy rains are predicted to continue for some time to come. The five governorates affected by the flooding are Erbil, Salahaddin, Kirkuk, Dyiala and Missan.
Preliminary assessments conducted by Iraqi Red Crescent teams estimate some 10,000 families have been affected. These numbers may increase as results from further estimates are received.
The Iraqi Red Crescent and the International Federation are working in close collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who has also distributed relief items and food to affected families.