Honduras Floods - Oxfam-Québec 2011

3 November 2011 - Since the first week of October large parts of Central America have experienced torrential rains leading to severe flooding and landslides in several countries. In Honduras the emergency has affected approximately 90 000 people lead to 29 deaths and has displaced 8 000 into temporary shelters. Several communities remain cut-off due to severe damage to the country’s transportation infrastructure. Further the flooding has severely damaged the water supply systems and sanitation infrastructure in affected regions including the contamination of the majority of water systems in many affected municipalities within Valle and Choluteca Departments. In addition to the lack potable water for drinking and washing damaged water systems could cause severe health hazards in the region through contamination and infectious disease. The affected communities have already witnessed an increase in waterborne and respiratory infections. With CIDA support Oxfam-Québec aims to work towards meeting the water sanitation and hygiene needs and improving the livelihoods of flood-affected families of two departments in Honduras: Choluteca and Valle. Specific activities include: the distribution of clean water water cleaning chemicals and water tanks; the repair and/or installation of latrines; the provision of basic hygiene and household items; and the establishment of cash-for-work activities to repair water and sanitation infrastructure for families who have lost their livelihoods.

Expected outputs include: the distribution of potable water water cleaning chemicals and water tanks to affected communities; the repair and/or installation of community latrines; the provision of basic hygiene and household items to flood-affected families; and the institution of cash-for-work activities to repair water and sanitation infrastructure in affected communities. The expected intermediate outcome is reduced vulnerability of flood-affected people especially women and children.