Mississauga, ON—World Vision is taking action as floods damage nearly 5,000 homes in 145 villages and towns in Romania. Drinking water, telephone, and electricity supplies have been cut off in certain areas. World Vision has sent relief supplies to communities impacted by the worst flood northwest Romania has seen in 35 years.

Following discussions with local authorities, World Vision is concentrating its efforts in the Foeni and Uuivar villages. The destruction of bridges and dykes has made roads impassable, and these communities can only be reached by helicopter or tractors.

“I have never seen anything like this before. The houses are collapsing before our eyes. People are desperate,” says Eugen Borlea, World Vision’s Relief Team Leader in Romania. Villagers and relief workers have been grateful for the initial seven tonnes of relief supplies, including food, water, clothes, and blankets, that World Vision has provided.

During a recent four-hour World Vision telethon, Romanians showed unprecedented compassion and unity as they pledged $1.24 million to assist those affected by the disaster.

“Low-income families were the most diligent donors. It was impressive to hear the stories of people who did not have much but gave to those who had nothing,” says Ecaterina Andronescu, the former Minister of Education.

On top of the immediate short-term relief, World Vision plans to use the funds raised by the telethon to reconstruct houses and schools in the affected areas. Relief interventions have been planned by World Vision and will be implemented if the situation warrants.