Wednesday 26 September 2012
ShelterBox works with Senegalese First Lady to aid flood survivors
Photograph shows the flood damage to the buildings in Dakar, Senegal. The dark lines on the buildings show the floodwaters were over one meter high, September 2012.ShelterBox is sending disaster relief tents and other lifesaving supplies to families affected by the widespread flooding in Senegal. The organization is working with the First Lady's charity, Foundation Servir Le Senegal.
Following the recent flooding in Senegal, an exhibition center in the capital, Dakar, is housing many families who lost their homes. "It seems organized with medical centers, shared cooking facilities, well managed waste and fresh water on site," said ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) member Ed Owen (UK). "But the roof leaks every time it rains, making everything and everyone wet.
"Not only this but the center has to be vacated in a few weeks and there won't be anywhere for them to live."
Foundation Servir Le Senegal (Fss) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ShelterBox in an effort to bring shelter to the most vulnerable families in and around the capital.
Dignity
With the assistance from Fss, ShelterBox is sending disaster relief tents, solar lamps, ground sheets, water filters and carriers, and mosquito nets to Dakar, bringing shelter and dignity to families who lost everything in the floods.
SRT member Rick Commiso (US), who lives in country, will be working with Fss to identify a suitable site to set up camp.
Through the MoU, Fss has agreed to supply members of the Senegalese military to assist the response team in putting up the tents and organizing the camp.
"I'll train the volunteers before the tents arrive so the camp to be set up quickly and efficiently," said Rick.
