Hadjer Lamis is one of the worst hit areas by the 2012 floods. With funding from Germany, IOM has been responding to the needs of the affected population. As many roads remain inaccessible, IOM has to revert to more unusual means of logistical support by engaging ox-drawn carts and small boats to facilitate the distribution of non-food items (NFI) to affected communities.

Communities and local authorities repeatedly expressed their surprise when following the IOM NFI distribution in Hadjer Lamis from February 4-6. As the roads leading to the remote communities were badly damaged during the floods, the IOM truck carrying NFI and tents could not continue the journey. Based on experiences of similar activities, communities who witnessed the progress of the IOM convoy assumed that the operation would be aborted, or at least significantly delayed. However, IOM community mobilizers found alternative solutions by quickly engaging the bystanders and rallying the local communities to place boats and ox-carts at their disposal to continue with the distribution.

“This was an outstanding collaboration between communities, authorities and IOM,” says IOM Chief of Mission Dr. Qasim Sufi. “We are very proud to be able to deliver much needed humanitarian assistance to these extremely remote and vulnerable communities and it is great to see that IOM can count on the support of the communities and authorities. However, long-term measures to mitigate the reoccurring risks, like Disaster Risk Reduction measures, have to be urgently implemented to ensure the sustainable rehabilitation of these high risk areas.”

For more information please contact

Dr. Qasim Sufi 
Chief of Mission, IOM Chad
Office: +235 22 52 53 59/60 (Ext. 111)
Mobile: +235 62 90 06 74
Fax: +235 22 52 53 61
Email: qsufi@iom.int

or

Francisco Furlani
Tel: +235 62-93-00-82
Email: ffurlani@iom.int