UN Struggles to Feed African Flood Victims

According to a press release from the United Nations World Food Program, more than 1.5 million people in East Africa need emergency food assistance in the wake of the worst flooding to hit the African continent in decades. Earlier this week, the UN asked for nearly $85 million in international aid, but as of Tuesday, only one million dollars has been pledged.

The WFP said in the press release that cash is desperately needed, especially in Uganda, where 300,000 flood victims are suffering from food insecurity. The WFP said that over $23 million is needed to address the emerging humanitarian crisis in that country. The money would go for food, but also for helicopters and boats to help distribute the food and for repairs to damaged roads and bridges that have made parts of Uganda difficult to reach. The roads in Uganda are in such poor condition that many areas of the country are only reachable by air.

The recent flooding as added to Uganda's misery, as the WFP estimates that over 1.7 million people, including refugees, displaced war victims and flood victims, are in need of food assistance, but new donations have not been forthcoming.

Of the 300,000 people who live in flood-stricken areas, close to 74,000 have been reached, but with only one helicopter it is difficult for the WFP to distribute food and supplies to more remote areas. The WFP is adding two additional cargo helicopters and several additional heavy duty trucks to its emergency fleet, but needs additional funds to pay for the equipment.

Uganda isn't the only Sub-Sahran country hit hard by the flooding. According to the WFP, there are over 43,000 people in flood-stricken areas of Sudan and 226,000 in Ethiopia. In Rwanda, 17 people have died as a result of the flooding, and an additional 2370 people have been left homeless.

Food insecurity is not the only problem facing flood victims. The risk of malaria and other waterborne diseases increases as people run out of food and the water becomes stagnant.