Donor: HELP, Danish government through Danish embassy in Belgrade

Duration: May 2005 - July 2005

Budget: 40.000,00 EUR

Region: Banat, Vojvodina

Description: In April 2005 the population of central Banat, at the North East of Vojvodina Province, faced severe floods brought by heavy rain caused by the massive and rapid snow melting in the Carpathian mountains. The area adjacent to rivers Tamiš, Nera, Karas, Moravica and Brzava has been damaged by extreme torrent that has endangered livelihoods of at least 20.000 inhabitants in several municipalities.

Last minute evacuation of whole villages prevented the loss of human lives. However, the situation on the field was alarming, since the whole economic activity, based mainly on the agricultural sector, was heavily affected. Several villages which were struck by flood belong to the municipalities of Secanj, Žitište, Bela Crkva and Plandište. Directly, flood affected farmland up to more than 15.000 hectares (5000 hectares in Secanj, 8000 hectares in Bela Crkva and 3500 in Žitište municipality) while additional 60.000 was at potential risk. The most flood struck village was Jaša Tomic, where the flood destroyed around 8000 hectares of agricultural fields and over 250 houses, whereas around 800 houses have been sunk by the water of floating river. More than 2000 people have been evacuated and situated in Secanj and villages of Krajišnik, Sutjeska and Boka. In this village alone, more then 3000 pigs were drowned and about 500 cattle. All agricultural fields were under water, and the houses were falling down. There was no electricity and gas. Water was not fit for human use. HELP took part in assisting the flooded areas from the very beginning. Shortly after the flood struck Banat villages, HELP representatives visited municipalities of Secanj and Žitište, thus witnessing the situation in the villages Jaša Tomic and Meda. Moreover, in each municipality HELP visited the Crisis Headquarters which gave the insight into their most urgent needs.

May 2005. Village Jasa Tomic, Vojvodina

May 2005. Village Jasa Tomic, Vojvodina

In June 2005 HELP distributed donation of the Danish Embassy in Belgrade

As for the initial assistance HELP delivered four water pumps and one truck for temporary use for Secanj municipality, as well as 12 tons of canned food. HELP was on the spot and maintained regular contact with municipality representatives of flooded areas, thus keeping informed on possible actions to be undertaken. In May 2005 HELP was focusing on responding to the urgent needs by providing the mentioned assistance to the vulnerable population in the flooded area. Furthermore, HELP continued to assist the flooded areas with the additional, 40.000 euro worth, financial support from the Danish Government through the Danish Embassy in Belgrade .