Impending food and drinking water shortages in hinterland

Villagers from the hinterland whose homes and villages were flooded during the weekend need basic necessities such as drinking water, food and medicines. Especially the Tapanahony region has been hit the hardest. The Amerindians villages in South Suriname are not flooded but the villagers nevertheless expect food shortages because the agrarian fields have been destroyed by the floodwaters. All economic activities such as tourism have been put on hold in South East Suriname. “The worst is yet to come,” said President Desi Bouterse as he referred to the impending food shortages. The biggest disaster is yet to happen. The farmlands in the hinterland are currently flooded. The Amerindian villages are not flooded but the floodwaters have claimed the villagers’ farmlands. Officials expect heavy rain showers north of Brazil and President Bouterse fears that this second wave of floodwater could cause more misery. The government has already discussed emergency measures.

The multinationals Alcoa/ Suralco and Iamgold have indicated that they will lend a helping hand. The president has reportedly asked them to cover the costs of the food packages. It is not clear yet how many people need a food package but it is estimated that more than 5,000 people from the Tapanahony region need food aid. The fact that cemeteries and toilets in especially South East Suriname are flooded means that the floodwaters pose a threat to the public health. The contaminated water reportedly flowed through the villages and the farmlands. President Bouterse pointed out that the Surinamese Red Cross also has an important role to play on the affected regions.