Humanitarian situation in Angola: Reporting period 02 - 08 Apr 2001

Highlights

• Registration closed without results in Cambambe II, Bengo Province
• Flooding affects three municipalities in Benguela Province
• Partners express concern over humanitarian conditions in Camacupa, Bié Province
• Malnutrition rates decrease in the peri-urban areas of Huambo, Huambo Province
• Resettlement plans underway for IDPs at the Menongue reception centre, Kuando Kubango Province
• Angolan refugees arrive in Zambia from Moxico Province
• Flood damages hamper delivery of assistance, Namibe Province
• IDPs from Dimuca and Camabatela arrive in Negage, Uíge Province

Provincial Update

Bengo Province: During the week, MINARS attempted to conduct a registration of new IDPs in Cambambe II. During the exercise, a large group of residents entered the camp in an effort to be included on the new registration list. As a result, the registration was closed. Humanitarian partners have recommended that the registration is conducted outside Cambambe II. The sub-group on IDPs and refugees will determine the timing and location of the next registration.

Benguela Province: During the last week of March, the ENCAFE and Gomes Pinto transit centres in Ganda were closed. In Cubal, closure of the CFB transit centre has been delayed due to heavy rains. In Lobito and Benguela, closure of the Campo Feira and UNECA transit centres depends on identification of available lands in appropriate areas.

In Balombo, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and MINSA conducted a nutritional survey among IDP and resident children under five. Preliminary results indicate a global acute malnutrition rate of 11 percent and a severe acute malnutrition rate of 1.3 percent.

Heavy rains and flooding have affected the Municipalities of Lobito, Benguela and Baía Farta. According to Government reports, more than 17,400 people may be without shelter. The flooding of large agricultural areas poses a serious threat to the food security situation of populations living in these areas.

There are particular concerns about the situation in the commune of Dombe Grande. Flooding of the Rio Coporolo has obstructed road access to the areas of Canto, Senje and Luacho, hindering the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The flooding has also raised fears of food insecurity and outbreaks of infectious diseases. Humanitarian partners estimate that flood-related damage affects more than 6,300 displaced persons as well as an unknown number of residents in these areas.

Bié Province: Humanitarian partners predict that the emergency in Camacupa will intensify due to the continuous arrival of populations fleeing insecurity and hunger in Cuemba Municipality. Partners are also concerned that the 2,589 families (10,274 persons) living in the Camacupa camp in Kuito are being encouraged to return to Camacupa although minimum standards established by the Government-approved Norms for the Resettlement of Displaced Populations are not in place. There are also concerns that the increase of new IDPs will put further pressure on the food security of the approximate 50,000 residents and 54,000 IDPs in Camacupa Municipality.

Huambo Province: In cooperation with MINARS, Cooperaç=E3o Intercâmbio e Cultura (CIC) conducted a registration in Ukuma prior to food distributions for displaced populations who arrived between October and March. More than 1,000 new arrivals from Cacoma and Mundundo are eligible for assistance.

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), malnutrition rates are decreasing among populations living in the peri-urban areas of Huambo. Despite this trend, malnutrition rates are likely to increase in Cruzeiro, where large numbers of families have arrived from insecure areas around Sambo.

Huíla Province: Humanitarian partners are concerned about restricted access within and between the Provinces of Huíla, Cunene and Namibe. Large numbers of access routes are inundated and at least two bridges have been destroyed. Huíla Province is facing a critical fuel shortage due to the damaged bridge over the River Giraul and humanitarian partners predict possible delays in food and non-food item distribution in Huíla and Cunene Provinces.

Kuando Kubango Province: During the week, 105 IDPs from Luhemba, Kandingo and Mutenga arrived at the Menongue reception centre, bringing the total number of IDPs at the centre to more than 750. On 6 April, the sub-group on resettlement agreed that more than 470 displaced persons would be resettled in appropriate areas in Chipompo, Missombo (Bairro Novo) and Kachimbo Dois. The remaining 280 will be resettled following receipt of WFP registration cards.

Humanitarian partners have expressed concern regarding a proposed plan to resettle displaced populations currently in Kuito Kuanavale into areas that do not the meet the minimum standards outlined in the Norms on the Resettlement of Displaced Populations, including Baixo Longa, Cavela, Lupire, Saminkiti and Mulundumunae.

Luanda Province: In Luanda Province, 80 percent of the houses under construction at the Coragem Irmaos resettlement site were destroyed by heavy rains. As a result, approximately 1,500 IDPs continue to live in inadequate tents and must begin to rebuild their homes. UNHCR and the Government have provided construction materials and iron roof sheeting to facilitate construction. In addition, Caritas is assisting with the construction of 40 houses.

Moxico Province: Reports indicate that more than 650 Angolans crossed the border of Moxico into northwestern Zambia during the last week of March.

Namibe Province: Extensive damage has occurred in the city of Namibe as a result of heavy rains. In addition, the flooding of the Beiro and Giraul Rivers has destroyed bridges and the railroad connections between the Port of Namibe and Huíla Province, hampering the delivery of humanitarian assistance to populations in need.

Uíge Province: Following attacks on Dimuca and Camabatela during the last week of March and the first week of April, more than 2,500 IDPs have arrived in Negage. In collaboration with MINARS, WFP has begun a registration of the new arrivals. Following the registration, WFP, Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and Caritas will assist the population with food and non-food items. MINARS will provide 50 sacks of rice as well as clothing.

Security

Bengo Province: On 6 April, two trucks were attacked on the road to Quibaxe. During the attacks, the trucks were looted and ten persons killed.

Benguela Province: On 2 April, armed groups attacked Casseque camp, outside Ganda. As a result of the attack, one person was killed and 13 injured. In addition, an estimated 40 families are reported to have fled to the bush. On 6 April, clashes were reported between military and civilians at the market in Catumbela village, between Lobito and Benguela. Unconfirmed reports indicate that four persons were killed, including a pregnant woman and a child.

Humanitarian partners have been advised to avoid travelling to Dombe Grande. In addition, travel between Lobito and Benguela remains restricted between 07:00 and 20:00 hours.

Bié Province: On the night of 2 April, a bomb exploded in close proximity to the WFP warehouse in Kuito. No injuries are reported.

Cunene Province: Insecurity has been reported in Marco 25 in Namacunde Municipality.

Huambo Province: During the week, armed groups attacked Sambo (Huambo Municipality), Chienga (Ukuma Municipality), Mungo (Mungo Municipality) and the road between Ukuma and Tchndjenje. As a result of the attacks, a large number of fatalities were reported although exact figures are not available.

Kuando Kubango Province: On 2 April, armed groups attacked a vehicle seven km from Luassingua. As a result, one person was killed and nine injured. On the same day, a truck that was sent to recover the damaged vehicle activated an anti-tank mine, injuring two persons. On 7 April, armed groups attacked Sovi, 32 km southwest of Kuito Kuanavale, resulting in two deaths and eight wounded persons.

Moxico Province: On 4 April, insecurity was reported in Cangumbe, approximately 100 km northwest of Luena.

Uíge Province: Tension has been reported in the village of Quindando, approximately 20 km south of Negage.

OCHA Angola
Av. Comandante Valódia 206 - 5 Andar Luanda Angola
Tel. (244 2) 444 321 - Fax. (244 2) 442 710
ucah@compuserve.com