1) Since the beginning of the year, poorly distributed and significantly below average seasonal rainfall has led to deteriorating ground conditions, stressed vegetation and negatively impacted cropping activities and livestock throughout many parts of southwestern Africa. Many local areas in Angola and Namibia have experienced less than half of their normal rainfall accumulation since January.

Luena - At least 239 families have become homeless following the last rains that also destroyed 49 residences in Kamanongue district, eastern Moxico province.

The local administrator, Artur Emanuel Lemos Sapalo, who was speaking to Angop Wednesday, said that the floods destroyed plantation fields and one of the headquarters of the Action Committee of the ruling MPLA party.

Last week, Artur Sapalo voiced concern about ravines that also caused by the rains in the locality, about 52km north of Luena city.

Menongue - Thirteen people died and 15 were injured in the southern Kuando-Kubango province, following the heavy rains throughout 2012.

This information is part of the balance of the Civil Protection and Fire commission.

According to the source, during the mentioned period, 315 residences were also destroyed.

The source also says that the ravines continue in the province.

Luanda – The Government has reinforced the distribution of seeds, fertilisers and plough to the peasant families under the Unaca-Confederation of Peasants Associations and Agro-Livestock Cooperatives of Angola.

According to a note that reached Angop, other organisations joined the Government in assisting drought and flood stricken families with rice, spaghetti, corn flour, and other goods.

Malanje - At least 600 families were left homeless in the Municipalities of Malanje, Quirima and Luquemba, following the destruction of 120 residences, due to the heavy rains over the last three days, Angop has learnt.

This was announced by the spokesman of the fire and civil protection services, Miguel Bernardo, who added that among the destroyed infrastructures are three commercial undertakings, as well as a sanitary tend.Works are in progress to accommodate the mentioned families, says the source.

MADAGASCAR Attacks by Dahalos again flared up over the past two weeks in various southern districts.

LESOTHO The Government of Lesotho is still to release their Response Plan to the food security crisis. The Humanitarian Country Team's draft response plan to the food security details over $40 million in projects.

SWAZILAND OCHA has been contacted by UNICEF regarding recent survey results which indicate a decline in micronutrient levels, particularly iodine.

Ondjiva - A total of 114 houses were handed over Wednesday to families affected by the floods in Onahumba neighbourhood, outskirst of Ondjiva city, southern Cunene province, during a ceremony chaired by the provincial governor, António Didalelwa.

The residential area is also equipped with health, education and public safety services to benefit 114 families who were in the sheltering centre number 1 and 2.

Link to Humanitarian Bulletin: Humanitarian Bulletin Southern Africa, Issue 01 - May 2012

Ondjiva - At least 187 flood victim families in southern Cunene province previously squatting at sheltering centres were on Thursday provided with new houses on the outskirts of the provincial capital, Ondjiva, during a ceremony chaired by the provincial governor, Antonio Didalelwa.

Addressing the occasion, the provincial governor said the drama of hundreds of families affected by floods that hit Cunene in the last four years has come to an end.

According to him, today there is reason for joy and reward after the time they had to await accommodation.