AVSI, in partnership with UNICEF, distributed Non-Food Item (NFI) kits in Ogom Akuyam, a return site in Pader, Northern Uganda, where flooding has displaced more than 100 people and affected almost 500. Unusually heavy rainfall has led to an increase of the ground water levels causing huts and latrines to become saturated. AVSI has just confirmed that at least one of the communities' three boreholes has been contaminated.

On Friday, the assistance of NFI kits containing blankets, tarpaulins, soap, and cooking utensils was provided to nearly 80 of the most heavily affected households to help offset losses due to the flooding. As the rains continue to fall, these shallow rivers of water flow in-and-amongst huts and latrines, making movement and sanitation difficult due to the mud and waste.

The Ogom community has dug a network of trenches in an attempt to divert as much of the water as possible, but as latrines fill up, concern is raised regarding contamination amongst the rising waters.

"AVSI will communicate to the authorities and the community the need to close the contaminated borehole, and continue to monitor the situation as it develops," said Angela St. Jules, AVSI Health Coordinator. "Hygiene promoters will also visit the site to educate the community on the potential dangers. In order to avoid any health risks, the community has been advised to relocate to higher ground as soon as possible." If unchecked, possible health risks in such a situation can include cholera and diarrhea.

The distribution took place after AVSI and WHO officials toured the affected site. In supporting the community's relocation, AVSI officials have said they are prepared to provide materials for the construction of latrines at the new location, if requested.

Beyond the potential health concerns, the community also fears structural damage to the affected area, as two bathing shelters have already collapsed, and a number of latrines and huts are at risk of collapsing. AVSI will continue to monitor the situation.

Ogom Akuyam return site is in Atanga sub-county, approximately 60 km NW of Pader Town in Northern Uganda. It is comprised of approximately 1,600 people in about 280 households. Northern Uganda has been affected by more than twenty years of conflict between rebels of the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan military. Within the last year, peace talks in Juba, Sudan have brought some stability to the region, enabling people to begin moving out of the Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP) camps where they have been confined.