Counterpart International Provides Vital Support During Flooding in Eastern Georgia

Kvareli, Georgia, October 16, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Two days of non-stop rain in Eastern Georgia caused serious flooding and forced thousands of families out of their homes and without basic necessities. After receiving a request for Assistance from the Kvareli Municipality, Counterpart immediately began gathering the most needed items to distribute to the more than 1,500 severely affected families. On October 1, 2009, Counterpart joined the US Embassy in Georgia and Kvareli District Administration in a distribution of bedding and blankets to displaced residents.

“In light of the extensive flooding, our team has quickly assessed the need for basic supplies – such as blankets – in the area. Thanks to pre-positioned disaster packages and the strong relationship Counterpart has with communities across Georgia, we are able to provide immediate relief to families in need,” says Mary Angelini, Vice President of Counterpart’s Community and Humanitarian Assistance Programs (CHAP).

With those pre-positioned disaster packages warehoused in Tbilisi, Georgia, an initiative sponsored by the US Department of State under its Operation Provide Hope Program, Counterpart was able to respond quickly and efficiently. Disaster stock items, namely 500 sleeping bags, 500 bed sheets, 250 cotton blankets, 250 wool blankets, 42 dozen bath towels and 500 hand towels were consolidated and delivered to the affected region. The relief supplies were distributed to the disaster victims of the two worst hit municipalities, Kvareli and Sighnaghi.

Since the rains began last week, the water has breached the river banks, and roads have been washed away. Apartment buildings, bridges, agricultural land and vineyards have all been destroyed. Potable water sources have become inaccessible. Until the rain subsides, it is impossible to assess the damage done by these intense floods. On September 28, 2009, Khvareli was assailed by yet another, more powerful flood, postponing the initial delivery of supplies until the 29th at the earliest. At the first opportunity to access these parts of Georgia, Counterpart distributed warm clothes and shelter to the needy citizens of the region.

Counterpart has worked with fellow Department of State (DoS) grantees to provide other needed supplies. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) donated hygiene kits, International Relief & Development (IRD) collaborated with orphanage modules (containing clothing, toys, baby items and blankets), and A Call to Serve (ACTS) Georgia provided dry soup mixes, medical kits and supplies and medicines.

The successful response to the disaster is made possible by the US Department of State Office of the Coordinator for US Assistance to Europe and Eurasia and the US Embassy to Georgia. In addition to funding CHAP programs in the former Soviet Union, the US Department of State Office of the Coordinator for US Assistance to Europe and Eurasia provides funding for CHAP to manage the disaster packages located in Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Georgia and Armenia.

CHAP has been operating in Georgia since 1995. Through its network of 960 partner organizations, CHAP has imported and distributed over $158 million worth of humanitarian assistance to nearly 2.5 million needy Georgians.

Established in 1965, Counterpart International (Counterpart) has forged strategic partnerships in more than 65 countries. With 350 staff currently operating in 25 countries, Counterpart’s programs encompass humanitarian aid and relief assistance, health care, democracy and governance, natural resource management and feeding the impoverished. Though Counterpart’s projects are diverse, they share a common objective: improving the lives of those in need by empowering people and local institutions to develop innovative, holistic, and lasting solutions that address social, economic and environmental challenges. Learn more at www.counterpart.org.

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