Toronto, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today Corneliu Chisu, Member of Parliament for Pickering–Scarborough East, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced $800,000 in funding to help meet the needs of thousands of people affected by the flooding and subsequent landslides in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Serbia in the Balkan region.
“Canada is concerned by the impact of the devastating floods and landslides in the Balkans,” said Minister Paradis. “Through Canada’s support, we are helping to ensure that the immediate needs of affected families are being met.”
Since May 13, 2014, heavy rainfall has caused massive floods and landslides in BiH, Serbia and, to a lesser degree, Croatia. The floods are said to be the worst in 120 years and have wrought significant destruction. BiH and Serbiawere the most affected, with several major cities completely flooded, and landslides in mountainous regions.
"Canada's humanitarian assistance plays a vital role in improving the lives of those most in need around the world," said MP Chisu. "We are ensuring that the people affected by the floods in the Balkan region are receiving immediate emergency support through our partners on the ground."
There are 15 million people living in the affected countries, 3.1 million of whom are reported to be affected by the flooding and landslides.
Canada will continue to monitor the situation closely and will respond as appropriate.
Quick Facts
- In Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1.5 million people are reported to be affected by the floods. There have been at least 2,000 landslides, which have not only destroyed homes, but also shifted mapped landmines left from the Balkan wars in the 1990s. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world, with an estimated 120,000 mines and other unexploded ordnance.
- In Serbia, 1.6 million people are reported to be affected by the floods, with extensive damage done to buildings, roads, bridges, and as much as 200,000 km2 of farmland flooded.
src:news.gc.ca