27/03/2013 - Heavy rains have pounded Southern African countries resulting in widespread flooding, destruction of property, and loss of lives. The floods took place in the midst of the lean season, in a situation of acute food insecurity affecting millions of people through the region. In Mozambique, the worst hit country, more than 250,000 people, mostly women and children, are affected by the crisis with about 190,000 temporary displaced since January 2013. Malawi, Botswana, Seychelles, Zambia and Zimbabwe have also been affected by the floods.

Passage du cyclone HARUNA dans le Sud-Ouest de Madagascar

ANTANANARIVO – Le Programme alimentaire mondial des Nations Unies (PAM) a reçu aujourd’hui de la part du Gouvernement suisse une contribution de presque 550 000 dollars américains en faveur de son programme de secours et de redressement à Madagascar. Cette contribution permettra au PAM de venir en aide à 85 000 bénéficiaires tout au long de l’exécution du projet.

I. NARRATIVE SUMMARY

DETAILS OF THE EMERGENCY

On February 22, tropical cyclone ‘HARUNA’ hit Madagasacar bringing heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds of 150km per hour causing massive flooding in most parts of south west Madagascar. The most affected areas are in the regions of Toliara and Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin). In Toliara the five most affected districts are Toliara I, Toliara IIS, Sakaraha, Betioky Sud and Morombe. In Taolagnaro, the three most affected districts are Bekily, Ambovombe Androy and Amboasary Sud.

A storm system has formed in the Mozambique Channel, which has the potential of causing heavy rains across much of central and northern Mozambique, exacerbating flood conditions.

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

• Mixed rainfall performance recorded in the 2012/13 cropping season (October-June)
• Outbreak of locusts in southern areas led the Government to declare an emergency
• Rice prices remain comparatively stable during 2012 and into the start of 2013

Uneven distribution of rains during 2012/13 cropping season

Planting of the main 2012/13 rice crop, for harvest from April, was finalised in January, while harvesting of the early planted varieties commenced in December.

Government resources are limited and levels of relief stocks low while more rain and flooding are expected until the flood and cyclone season ends in April. OCHA's latest situation report provides updates on the affected countries.

CHF 106,551 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Seychelles Red Cross Society (SRCS) in delivering immediate assistance to some 3,000 beneficiaries. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Summary: On 27 and 28 January 2013, the Seychelles main island of Mahe was devastated by the Tropical depression Feleng and the island La Digue was severely affected.

• Light rains across southern Mozambique provide relief to extremely saturated and flood-affected regions.

• Torrential rains across northern Mozambique and eastern Madagascar cause flooding