CAMBODIA CARE Supporting Flood Affected Families

CAMBODIA (October 22, 2013) - International aid organisation CARE is distributing emergency supplies to thousands of households in north-east and south-east Cambodia affected by flooding throughout September and October.

Following heavy rains and flash flooding, an estimated 1.7million people have been affected by floods in 17 of the 24 provinces of Cambodia, with more than 130 people confirmed dead.

Following an assessment undertaken in partnership with Cambodia’s Provincial Committee for Disaster Management (PCDM) and other humanitarian organisations, CARE staff are distributing emergency sanitation supplies, including clean water, hygiene kits and health supplies to families hardest hit by the floods in Ratanakiri and Prey Veng Provinces.

CARE’s Country Director for Cambodia, Stav Zotalis said emergency supplies were critical in helping to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases as flood waters subside.

‘Following a disaster of this scale, being able to keep healthy and return to work or school is vital for the thousands of people affected. These supplies are an important way for families in Ratanakiri and Prey Veng Provinces to get back on their feet,’ said Ms Zotalis.

CARE has worked with Cambodians since 1973 responding to humanitarian disasters and delivering long-term development programs to vulnerable and poor communities. These programs focus on health, women’s empowerment, education, water and sanitation, livelihoods and disaster risk reduction.

To find out more about CARE's work in Cambodia, please click here.