In the wake of the flooding in the Western Balkans, Switzerland has sent a first consignment of emergency aid, including water-treatment and -supply equipment, to the area. The teams of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit that are present on the ground have been reinforced with additional personnel.
In response to the severe flooding in the Western Balkans, Swiss Humanitarian Aid has sent a first consignment of emergency aid to Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The delivery consists of two water-distribution modules and one well-purification set. One water-distribution module can produce enough drinking water for at least 10,000 people. The well-purification sets are deployed to disinfect contaminated water sources.
Swiss Humanitarian Aid has reinforced with additional personnel the two teams that have been present on the ground since 20 May 2014. Their task is to determine possible support measures in the area of water and pollution management. A transport helicopter of the Swiss Armed Forces has also been deployed to the disaster zone.
Switzerland will support Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the reconstruction phase within the framework of its current engagement in the region.
One million people in Bosnia and Herzegovina – more than a quarter of the population – are affected by torrential rains and flooding in the Balkans.
The SDC has allocated 800,000 CHF to assist the affected population. The funds will also be used to support the activities of Caritas in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Serbian Red Cross.
