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Namibia

Namibia: Floods DREF Operation No. MDRNA004

Attachments

GLIDE No. FL-2009-000062-NAM

The International Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross and Red Crescent response to emergencies. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation's disaster response system and increases the ability of national societies to respond to disasters.

CHF 146,695 (USD 124,473, EURO 99,224) has been allocated from the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC)'s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Namibia Red Cross Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 2,000 families. Un-earmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Summary: The four north-western regions of Namibia were affected by heavy rains and subsequent flooding. The water level in Zambezi River rose by more one metre in less than a week to reach the five metre mark on first day of March 2009, leading to localised flooding and the consequent extensive damage to household effects and displacement of communities. In addition, the flooded Kunene region reported a cholera outbreak that has caused seven deaths so far.

Namibia Red Cross Society (NRCS) is complementing the government efforts on responding to the needs of the displaced families through collaboration with the Disaster Management Unit. The emergency relief operation focuses on provision of temporary shelter, improving sanitation conditions, water supply, hygiene practice within the relocation camps, procurement and distribution of basic relief items. The IFRC Zone office in southern Africa is on standby to deploy additional support through mobilising the regional disaster response team (RDRT), at the request of the National Society.

The expected implementation period of this operation is three months, ending by June 2009; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by August 2009).

The situation

Namibia as well as neighbouring Angola has been receiving heavy rains over the past three weeks, which led into localised flooding. The north-eastern and north-western parts of Namibia are the most affected, where thousands of families have since been displaced. While the initial heavy rains and flooding were primarily in the western region (Omusati), floods from upstream have hit the central and eastern areas (Oshana region and the western part of Ohangwena region).

Omusati, Ohangwena Oshana and Oshikoto regions, in the north-western regions are the worst affected. The flooding in the main Cuvelai basin has raised water levels in Oshakati by more than 0.5m in a few days, and large parts of the town are submerged. Similar conditions prevail in Ondjiva, north of the Namibia and Angola border. At Cuvelai town, which is approximately 150 km north of Ondjiva, water levels continue to rise. The situation is aggravated by continuous heavy rains that have washed away roads and bridges. Most feeder roads connecting to major towns have been washed away. A team of hydrologists from Angola and Namibia carried out aerial inspections in the upper part of the Cuvelai basin and revealed that flooded water continues building up from the north. At Evale, some 55 km north of Ondjiva, the water levels are said to be higher than the floods level experienced in 2008.

It is estimated that the number of affected people will double to 130,000 people; however, the actual number will be determined after a rapid assessment currently being conducted by the stakeholders. Some schools have closed, as children cannot cross the flooded rivers and road networks. Majority of health facilities in the affected areas are no longer accessible. The flooding has also submerged fields, causing extensive damage to crops.

Kunene region, in the north-western part of the country, reported an outbreak of cholera in the Okanguati and Opuwo areas. Reports from the Ministry of Health have revealed 143 suspected cholera cases, of which nine have been confirmed with seven related deaths last reported on 9 February 2009. The outbreak seems to have been brought under control, although the situation may escalate as the rains continue. A cholera outbreak is feared in all the affected regions, as the sanitation situation is generally poor in rural areas.

The Zambezi River in the Caprivi region rose to reach the five-metre mark on 1 March 2009, putting the communities living along its banks at risk. In Kabbe constituency, three villages have been reported submerged. Estimates are that more than 25,000 people will be affected by flooding in the Caprivi region alone.

A third high flood-wave has also appeared in the Kavango River at Rundu, where the water level is more than seven metres; much higher than normal and also higher than last year. The Kehemu informal settlement in Rundu has 25 households displaced.

NRCS jointly with Government's Directorate of Emergency Management and United Nations agencies conducted rapid assessments to investigate the extent and impact of the damage. The results of the assessments revealed that the affected communities are without adequate shelter, food, clean water, sanitation facilities and are at risk of water borne diseases.

The government has facilitated the formation of relocation camps to temporarily accommodate the displaced families. Four relocation camps in Ondangwa town in Oshana region accommodate approximately 250 people. In Oshakati, about 1,500 people are sheltered at two relocation camps, while Ohangwena region has a relocation camp that accommodates 32 families. In Omusati region, three relocation camps accommodate 40 families.