28 April 1982

Measures to be taken following the heavy floods which have affected Democratic Yemen

The Economic and Social Council,

Considering that Democratic Yemen has recently suffered the effects of heavy floods which have caused loss of life and considerable damage to the economy of the country,

Having heard the statement of the delegation of Democratic Yemen on the extent of the damage caused by the unprecedented heavy floods,

Recalling the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council concerning assistance in cases of natural disasters, in which appeals have been made to the international community to give special attention to the phenomenon of natural disasters,

Taking into account the fact that the assistance provided to countries stricken by natural disasters is an expression of the international solidarity embodied in the Charter of the United Nations,

Noting with satisfaction the assistance provided by several countries, international and regional organizations and voluntary agencies,

Noting also the efforts made by the Government of Democratic Yemen to relieve the suffering of the victims of the heavy floods,

1. Expresses its profound sympathy with the people and Government of Democratic Yemen for the loss of life and the serious damage which the recent floods have caused to the economy of the country;

2. Urges all States to participate or to continue to participate in relief operations and in the implementation of programmes for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the areas affected by the floods;

3. Requests international and regional organizations, including specialized agencies, and voluntary agencies, particularly those most directly concerned, to lend their support and assistance, within the framework of their respective programmes, to the efforts of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Disaster Relief Co-ordinator to mobilize relief and assistance, and also to examine urgently the requests for assistance made by the Government of Democratic Yemen during the phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction;

4. Expresses the hope that the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank and all other international financial institutions concerned will give sympathetic and urgent consideration to requests for assistance which the Government of Democratic Yemen may submit under its rehabilitation, reconstruction and development programmes and with a view to improving the existing disaster warning and protection systems;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of the present resolution to the Economic and Social Council at its second regular session of 1982.