The U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) said Friday that it has airlifted emergency aid to 11,000 families living in five camps in southwestern Algeria after heavy rains resulted in devastating floods. "The extent of devastation in Tindouf is overwhelming, with pooled water as far as the eye can see," said Hamdi Bukhari of UNHCR. "The airlifted relief items will partially compensate their losses, but rebuilding their lives will be an extraordinary task, and UNHCR stands ready to support this effort. Shelter, food, and water are the most urgent needs." The seasonal storms damaged or destroyed mud-brick homes, shops, hospitals, schools, and roads at Laayoune, Boujdour, Awserd, Smara, and Dakhla camps, housing thousands of Sahrawi refugees. According to UNHCR, the first of two aircraft from Accra, Ghana, brought 5,000 fleece blankets, 1,000 kitchen sets, 1,000 jerry cans, 5,000 plastic sheets, 750 family tents, and 200 plastic rolls to distribute to as many as 11,000 people, with a second aid flight due to arrive later Friday.
