Flooding Situation Sep / Oct 2011
The entire region has experienced significant and ongoing rainfall causing flooding across Cambodia. Siem Reap province is no exception with many villages entering their 4 week of being flooded. Homes are inundated with water, rice crops are submerged and vegetable gardens washed away.
While the water in town and the tourist areas has appeared, disappeared, and reappeared time and again, the water in the villages has remained and in many areas is still rising.
The flood waters while amusing in most cases for visitors, have significant impacts for local families especially those in the villages. Type 1 families are the greatest impacted. With no savings, no regular income stream and poor quality housing, the impacts and challenges for their household is great.
These flood waters present numerous challenges
- Families who survive on subsistent daily incomes from farming have no income
- All home vegetable gardens are washed away or under water
- All the rice crops just recently planted are under water
- Houses are flooded and families are cold and wet
- Flood waters bring increased risk of illness, infection and waterborne disease
Once the waters subside further challenges arise. Mosquito numbers in the sodden fields are likely to rise and families will have no capacity to rebuild or replace their lost crops.
So What is HUSK is doing Right Now?
Treak Village
Most homes in Treak Village have been affected. The majority of the village is half a meter to one meter underwater.
- Over 150 food parcels have been delivered to Type 1 and Type 2 families in Treak Village over the past two weeks
- We estimate a further 50 - 70 parcels will soon be required.
Kompheim Village
Most of Kompheim Village is under 1m+ of water. School has been closed for almost two weeks.
- 45 food parcels are being delivered on Oct 16th to Type 1 and 2 families
- We estimate a further 50 parcels will be required within the next 7 days
- Large amounts of the seasons rice crops will die due to the ongoing flooding of the fields
A food parcel is designed to feed a family of six for several days. Each parcel contains rice, meat, eggs, fruit and vegetables. It is designed to provide a balance of carbohydrate, protein and vitamin needs. Each parcel costs $6 to $8 depending on the size of the family. Food parcels are not an ongoing solution, but they provide immediate sustinance to families unable to feed themselves.
What will HUSK do for the future?
After addressing the immediate need for food, our job is to work with the local villagers and look at the needs for the village once the waters subside. We will be helping in a number of ways;
1. Providing rice seedlings to replant lost crops
2. Building raised flood proof vegetable gardens
3. Providing seeds and soil for immediate short term crop plantings
4. Rebuilding and repairing damaged homes
5. Repairing water filters and pumps
How you Can Help!
- If you are planning on visiting Cambodia don't cancel your trip. For the most part the floods are causing very little affect on visitors and the local businesses need your support.
- If you are visiting or if you are a local, dropping a mosquito net or blanket into Beyond Unique Escapes would be fantastic. They will ensure it reaches us and inturn a family who desperately needs it. Cnr of Alley West and Sivutha Bvld - Old Market Area.
- Donate $20 or more! $20 can buy a food pack, blanket, and a mosquito net for a family and leave change to go towards the rebuilding projects
$20 = 1 food pack + 1 blanket + 1 mosquito net + change for rebuilding
$20 really can make a huge difference to a local family!
Six Simple Solutions
Thank You
Husk would like to say a special thank you to the following organisations for their support in the food relief effort.
Destinations Asia
Amansara
Beyond Unique Escapes
Sojourn Boutique Villas