As devastating flood waters in southern Romania subside, displaced families are starting to return to their villages to assess the damage.

Heavy rains that began in March and a rising River Danube caused flooding and landslides, damaging thousands of homes and destroying thousands of square kilometres of crops.

An estimated 9,700 people are homeless in Dolj County, one of the areas first affected by flooding. Many are staying with relatives, or in schools, hospitals, hostels, and military tents. Most likely, the displaced people will not be able to return home for at least three months, if at all. In the community of Rast, almost 4,000 people are without homes, with many living on ploughed ground where crops will soon start growing.

World Vision is There
World Vision is working with government authorities to provide short- and long-term relief.

World Vision distributed hygiene kits (towels, soap, diapers), food, water, blankets, and children's clothing to families in Dolj County.

At the request of Dolj Health Department, World Vision contributed supplies and helped cover costs toward disinfecting the Rast community to help prevent the spread of disease.

World Vision set up a Child-Friendly Space in Dolj County that enables children to learn and play in a safe environment. Kindergarten teachers from the school in Rast are teaching children in the child-friendly space. World Vision will continue to focus on education activities and ensure the space has enough books, school supplies, furniture, and toys.

Since floods have damaged vast areas of arable land, World Vision is helping provide seeds for a late-autumn harvest.

What You Can Do
Click here to donate to World Vision's emergency relief fund.