Botswana - Floods OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref:OCHA/GVA/2000/0018
Botswana - Floods
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
11 February 2000

The Government has appealed for international humanitarian assistance

1. On 10 February the Government appealed for emergency humanitarian assistance in light of the worsening situation brought about by weeklong heavy rains. Information from the national agency in charge, the Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) show that over 25,000 people are affected, 4,000 houses/huts have been destroyed and numerous bridges and roads flooded or washed away.

2. The emergency assistance requested includes:

- Tents
- Blankets
- Food rations.

OCHA is in contact with the Resident Coordinator to obtain breakdowns and quantifications.

3. The current situation is marked by increased water levels in several dams: Shashe, 30 km south of Francistown, Bokaa, 20 km north of Gabarone and Nywane, near Lobatse are all filled to capacity and began overflowing. Gabarone dam, about 2 km from the city centre, began overflowing late last night. The Meteorological Services forecast continuous rainfall for at least another 2 days.

National and international response

4. Overall response responsibility is with the NDC in the Office of the President. The security forces and police are evacuating flood victims. Radio Botswana is broadcasting information on the evolving situation.

5. The office of the RC cooperates with the Government and development partners in the international response to the disaster.

6. OCHA is prepared to serve, as a channel for cash contributions for the immediate relief needs. Funds channelled through OCHA will be spent in co-ordination with the relevant organizations of the UN system and OCHA will provide written confirmation of their use. Funds should be transferred to OCHA Account No. CO-590.160.1 SWIFT-code SBC0CHGG12A - at the UBS AG, PO Box 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland, with reference: OCHA - Botswana - Floods 2000.

7. For co-ordination purposes, donors are requested to inform OCHA Geneva, as indicated below, of relief missions, pledges or contributions and their corresponding value by item.

8. This Situation Report and further information on ongoing emergencies are also available on the OCHA Internet Website at: http://www.reliefweb.int

Telephone number: + 41-22-917-1234
In case of emergency only: + 41 22 917 2010

Desk Officers: Mr. Klaus Wiersing/ Ms. Yasuko Sawada, Disaster Response Branch, direct Tel: + 41 22 917 2770/1768

Contact person for the media: Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli, direct tel: +41-22-917-2653

Telex 41 42 42 ocha ch
Fax: + 41 22 917 0023
E-mail: ochagva@un.org