An Islamic Relief project to assist Chadian communities hit by seasonal flooding has benefitted around 1,800 vulnerable people.
The five-month project, which began in autumn 2013, targeted vulnerable families in remote Am-dam district of the Sila region – an area which suffers cyclical floods and drought. Malnutrition is high, and communities are served by only one health centre.
In 2012, floods caused by heavy rain affected up to 700,000 people and caused numerous deaths across several regions. Two thousand families were displaced and extensive damage was caused to houses and infrastructure, with people struggling to access basic services for months afterwards.
Reducing the impact on vulnerable families
The project saw Islamic Relief teaming up with International Medical Corps to mitigate the impact of the floods on the district’s most vulnerable families. One hundred households received mosquito nets, with Islamic Relief providing medical supplies to the health centre, and tackling insects and rats that spread disease.
Hygiene campaigns helped to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, with community volunteers trained to raise awareness and one hundred hygiene kits and jerry cans distributed. Two hundred hand-washing containers were made available and public latrines constructed in public places such as schools. Scores of latrine slabs were built for vulnerable households.
Families received tents, cooking sets, sleeping mats and blankets. Shelters were constructed to provide community volunteers – trained on emergency preparedness and response – with a place from which to mobilise.
Islamic Relief registered in Chad in 2006, and opened its field office in 2007.