WILLEMSTAD - The Help for Curaçao Foundation has launched an emergency relief action in the Netherlands for the victims of the flooding in Bándabou. They are urging people to donate money via the foundation's website, specifying 'Flood Relief'. On May 4, more than 250 mm of rain fell in a short period, causing the drainage system to overflow and flooding large parts of the western side of the island.
There are two different foundations with the name Help for Curaçao. The first is based in Curaçao and was established in 1977 as 'Fundashon yuda nos grandinan' (Foundation help our elderly). This foundation was renamed to Help for Curaçao by its then-chairman, Egbert Vos, in 2005. This branch coordinates the aid.
In 2021, a similarly named foundation was established in the Netherlands - Help for Curaçao Foundation. This second foundation is a fundraising organization with a board based in the Netherlands under the leadership of Anne Rienks, who is associated as a guest minister with the Reformed Church in Curaçao.
Recovering
Curaçao is still recovering from the severe flooding that hit Bándabou on May 4. A sudden flood turned roads into rivers and caused significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land.
"Cars were washed away, and where roads once lay, there were now rivers," reported the coordinator who was on-site. "I had to carry people through the water to safety. It was unbelievable how quickly a calm Saturday morning turned into a life-threatening situation."
The impact of the natural disaster is immense. In addition to the material damage, many residents have lost personal belongings, including essential household items and children's toys. The elderly, in particular, have been severely affected and urgently need support.
In response to the crisis, this fundraising initiative has been set up to help the victims. "With your donation, we can provide essential assistance such as repairing homes and replacing lost items," said the foundation. Every contribution, large or small, can make a significant difference in the recovery process.