Ref: OCHA/GVA-2000/0067
Botswana - Floods
OCHA Situation Report No. 5
28 March 2000
International Appeal
1. On 14 March, the Government of Botswana launched its appeal for USD 7.4 million (The full document is with OCHA Geneva). This appeal targets 13,371 households (80,220 persons) requiring urgent assistance in 23 districts: North East, Tutume, Sub-District, Selibe-Phikwe, Bobirwa, Boteti, Francistowa, Serowe/Palapye, Mahalapye, Gaborone, Tlokweng, South East, Lobaste, Mabutsane, Kgatleng, Southern, Kgalagadi, Kweneng and Letlhakeng. Although the North East and Central districts experienced heavy rains, east and southern Botswana, where over two thirds of the population is concentrated, were the most affected.
Requirements (cost in US$)
Item
|
Quantity
|
Cost (Required USD)
|
Unmet - Balance (USD)
|
Unmet- Quantity
|
Shelter/Tents
|
13,371
|
6,685,250
|
4,738,750
|
9,478
|
Blankets
|
94,380
|
783,153.19
|
497,349.57
|
59,937
|
Rain Water collection units
|
300
|
108,510.64
|
98,021.28
|
271
|
Water purification unit
|
5
|
211,086.17
|
211,086.17
|
5
|
Resettlement kits
|
13,371
|
501,251.51
|
463,387.26
|
12,361
|
Plastic sheet (Sq.m)
|
267,410
|
113,791.49
|
96,770.21
|
227,410
|
Temporary toilets
|
268
|
285,106.38
|
206,382.98
|
194
|
Refuse receptacles
|
4,011
|
68,274.89
|
68,274.89
|
4,011
|
Plastic water carrier
|
26,741
|
56,895.74
|
56.895.74
|
26,741
|
Vacuum tanker hire (13 districts/3wks)
|
39
|
87,127.66
|
72,127.66
|
39
|
Water bowsers/tunkers
|
20
|
21,276.60
|
21,276.60
|
20
|
Disinfectant
|
10,000
|
14,893.62
|
10,202.13
|
6,850
|
Mosquito nets (impregnated)
|
8,000
|
23,829.79
|
5,957.45
|
2,000
|
Mosquito repellents
|
13,371
|
8,534.36
|
8,534.36
|
13,371
|
Protective clothing (sprayers)
|
100
|
3,468.09
|
3,468.09
|
100
|
Spray pumps (4/area)
|
100
|
9,574.47
|
9,574.47
|
100
|
Outreach health services 4x4 vehicles
|
2
|
85,106.38
|
85,106.38
|
2
|
Water testing kits
|
10
|
70,212.77
|
35,106.38
|
5
|
Sub-Total
|
6,688,271.62
|
|||
Logistics and distribution
|
2,120,417
|
747,712.00
|
||
TOTAL
|
12,722,502.03
(the overall requirements) |
7,435,983.62
|
The overall requirements (including the items/activities which have been covered and not mentioned in the table above) are USD 12,722,502.03. The Government of Botswana has so far mobilized its own financial and material resources, approximately BWP 17,188,464 (approximately USD 3,657,120). Contributions from national and international sources amount to USD 1,629,397.76. The net requirements are USD 7,435,983.62.
2. This appeal is an update of the previous appeal amounting to USD 3,9 million launched on 10 February. The previous appeal had targeted 34,350 persons including 1,000 refugees. However, the impacts of two cyclones, Eline and Gloria, and the subsequent flooding had worsened the situation. The updated appeal reflects the increased needs and requirements necessitated by the changes in the situation.
3. The results of the nation-wide assessment conducted by the Minister of Health, in collaboration with UN agencies, show that water-borne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery, are a major threat to health. Provision of safe water and medical care including outreach services and public health education are critical needs. The nutritional status of the displaced populations, particularly the children under 5 needs careful monitoring.
4. As a result of the floods, the primary source of income for the victims has been curtailed. Scores of livestock have been washed away by floods. Thousands of hectares have also been submerged. Most of the affected farming households and consumers are expected to be dependent on external food sources, especially from the government, at least until the next harvest season.
5. The National Disaster Management Office organised under the Office of the President with the District Disaster Management Committees continues to coordinate emergency relief measures and rehabilitation operations. The Government Emergency services including the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), Med-Rescue International-Botswana, and the Botswana Red Cross Society continue to provide relief assistance and relief operations to prevent and minimize the impact of the flood to the affected population and the environment.
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 coordination with the relevant organisations 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 UBSWCHZ12A - 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 OCHAInternet Website at: http://www.reliefweb.int
Telephone: +41-22-917 12 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org
In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10
Desk Officers (OCHA Disaster Response Branch): Mr. K. Wiersing /Ms. Y. Sawada, direct Tel. +41 –22 917 2270 / +41-22-917 1768
Press contact: Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53
Disclaimer
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
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