First batch of food parcels reach flooded regions

The relief operation is in full swing in the hinterland. The first 500 food parcels and 40 tarpaulins have reached Snesi Kondre and will soon be distributed among the communities in the Paramaccan region. The National Coordination Center for Disaster Control (NCCR) which is in charge of providing aid to villagers living in the flooded regions has named the operation ‘Hei Watra’ (high water). Although the affected areas have not officially been declared disaster zones yet by President Desi Bouterse, he has already given instructions to deal with the emergency situation. The NCCR reportedly considers two regions as disaster areas namely the region from Langatabbetje till Loka-Loka and the region from LokaLoka until the southern border with Brazil. The NCCR which has reportedly put together 1,500 food parcels has opted to only sent 500 for now because this is what is currently needed. Colonel Jerry Slijngaard, head of the NCCR, explained that the rest will be distributed when necessary. The remaining food parcels will be stored at Snesi Kondre as part of a stand-by emergency aid operation. Each food parcel consist of basic goods such as rice, brown beans, cooking oil, peanut butter, water, flour and candles. Officials also expect the village communities to also help themselves. The NCCR’s aid is deemed as supportive aid. The NCCR is also keeping a close eye on the other areas such as the areas surrounding the storage reservoir in the districts Brokopondo and Sipaliwini. The river also overflowed its banks at Atjoni. Officials are also closing a close watch on the auxiliary dams at the storage reservoir. “The integrity of the auxiliary dams has been compromised as a result of the gold mining activities. Any additional pressure on the auxiliary dams could result in a breach. We hope that it does not come to that,” said Slijngaard.