Canada’s support will address immediate needs of thousands of affected families
June 7, 2014 – 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.
Sandrine Perion
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
819-953-6238
sandrine.perion@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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