Plan is appealing for help following prolonged rainfall which has caused three major rivers in Chocó to flood, damaging many communities including several supported by Plan.

It has been reported that hundreds of houses have been destroyed in the area, with thousands more damaged by the floodwaters. Landslides have blocked two main roads which connect the department with neighbouring cities.

Eight casualties have been confirmed, of which five are children under the age of five. Assessment of the need for relief is still ongoing, but it is estimated that 25,000 families have been affected, and initial aid will help 125,000 people including 75,000 children.

Plan's response The Plan communities affected are Istmina, Medio San Juan, Quibdó, Rio Quito, Condoto and Tadó. Plan is co-ordinating its efforts with other agencies to ensure that best use is made of the resources available to cover the wider area.

Plan's response will initially focus on providing the following priority items for the communities affected:

Food Clothing for children and adults Mattresses and hammocks Water tanks and water filters After the initial response, further assistance will be needed to help families return to normal life, including housing improvements, mosquito nets and medicine to prevent malaria outbreaks and community training in health and environmental issues.