Dakhla refugee camp (Sahrawi Republic) 24 September 2024 (SPS)- The Sahrawi Red Crescent issued an urgent appeal to the international community, UN and specialized NGOs to urgently assist in adequately responding to the situation created by the heavy rainfall and floods that stroke the Sahrawi refugee camps these past couple of days.
Following is the full text of the Press Release issued today:
PRESS RELEASE - 2
WSRC APPEALS FOR URGENT ASSISTANCE IN RESPONSE TO FLOODING EMERGENCY IN DAKHLA REFUGEE CAMP - SAHARAWI REFUGEE CAMPS
Dala Refugee Camps, September 24, 2024- The Western Sahara Red Crescent (WSRC) urgently calls on donors, United Nations agencies, and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide immediate support in response to a severe flooding emergency that has devastated the Dakhla refugee camp in the Sahrawi refugee camps - Tindouf, Southwest Algeria.
The flooding, caused by intense seasonal rains that began on Thursday, September 19, 2024, escalated with heavy and intermittent precipitation, resulting in widespread damage as the rains peaked on the night of September 22 into September 23. The disaster has already displaced approximately 520 families, 27% of these families have completely lost their homes and will need a total reconstruction, a figure expected to rise significantly in the coming days.
WSRC, in coordination with other humanitarian entities, swiftly activated its emergency response protocols. Tents and essential shelter items are being distributed to those affected, but the current response capacity is insufficient to address the escalating crisis. With Dakhla camp now officially declared a disaster zone, the WSRC urgently requests the involvement of the entire humanitarian community to ensure that the needs of displaced families are met.
The immediate priorities include:
Emergency shelter and non-food items for displaced families.
Food assistance and potable water supplies to ensure basic sustenance.
Health services to prevent disease outbreaks in the aftermath of the flooding.
Sanitation and hygiene supplies to prevent waterborne diseases.
WSRC emphasizes that without the timely involvement and coordinated efforts of international partners, the situation risks deteriorating rapidly. WSRC is committed to providing regular updates to all stakeholders as the situation develops and needs evolve.
WSRC extends heartfelt thanks to all humanitarian actors already on the ground and reiterates the critical importance of urgent action from the wider international community.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
NAME: SIDAHMED MOHAMED FADEL BUJERS
EMAIL ADRESS: [email protected]
PHONE NUMBER: +213 (6) 658 63 43 23” (SPS)
090/500/60 (SPS)