Special update on humanitarian situation in Togo

The following update provides additional information on the humanitarian situation in Togo as it has developed since the report submitted on the 31st of July.

As of today, 6 camps for populations displaced by flooding have been established in different locations around Lomé, 2 of these camps are currently being managed by the Togolese military. There are approximately 4000 individuals being accommodated at these camps, including approximately 1200 children. In addition, recent heavy rains in the Central region (Sokode) have affected over 1500 people, 200 of whom are under the age of 5. All camps are run by the government with assistance provided by the international community - it is important to note the valuable support provided by the government during this crisis.

At this time, the total number of people affected in the Lomé area, including those now living with family or friends, is unclear and remains impossible to determine.

The major humanitarian impact of recent flooding has been due to infrastructural damage. Floods have caused the destruction of nine bridges along the main road that links the north and south of the country, and this has meant that transportation costs have risen considerably. As a result, the price of basic food staples has also increased dramatically in several locations across the country, including the capital. And as of August 12th, the government has increased the price of petrol from 505 to 595 FCFA, this will worsen the social and economic situation of the people.

The price of Corn, which is the most important food source in three regions, has risen as per the following chart:

Togo is not the only country being affected by damage to its infrastructure. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger all rely on Lomé port and the roads and bridges in Togo for the transportation of goods. While ports and roads in bordering countries, such Ghana or Benin, can be used as alternative routes; for the moment, hundreds of over-loaded trucks are on standby in Lomé and have not been redirected to other ports. Their customs and entrance fees to Togo have already been paid, and to go via Ghana or Benin would mean that they would incur additional fees and transportation costs.

The following response efforts are under way:

- UNDP has planned to provide one temporary bridges to allow for access between the north and south of the country along the main road (Expected cost: $400 000 US)

- The UN system is preparing capacity building activities, and intends to provide water tanks, medicine, and other critical items

- The response provided to date by the Red Cross includes the provision of first aid, support to rescue operations as well as registration of IDPs at camps and in affected villages

- The WFP, UNICEF and the FAO have prepared a joint effort to secure funding to address the deteriorating food security situation in the country, focusing particularly on the needs of populations affected by flooding in both 2007 and 2008

The humanitarian situation in Lomé appears to be stable, but infrastructural damage and rising food prices around the country present considerable challenges to local populations. Funding provided to the government of Togo to date will not be used to relieve the pressure of the increasing cost of living; rather it will be allocated towards infrastructural repairs and improvements.

It is important to note that outside of the UN, there are few other organisations with a strong enough presence in Togo to contribute a meaningful response to the challenges currently facing the Togolese population.

Urgent Needs and Recommendations:

- Address urgent need to repair bridges connecting north and south of Togo - UNDP allocated 400 000 US$ for the provision of bridge

- Keep track of all funds that have been allocated to the country since the beginning of the crisis (UNRC begun tracking spending and has put in place an information sharing mechanism)

- Assess the management of camps being run by Togolese military and the long-tern impact this may have on civilians if rains continue and people cannot return to their homes (OCHA)

- Ensure security/protection of civilians in camps - Visits to camps are being conducted regularly by OCHA and if necessary, mechanisms will be proposed to UN operational agencies for implementation

- Provide non-food items. There is an urgent need for tents and boats to be delivered to the Sapeurs Pompiers / fire department so that they can conduct critical rescue operations - A request for these resources will be made to the Emergency Services Branch

- Provide food. The WFP has identified and aims to respond to the need to provide 400 metric tonnes of food aid to affected populations in the south of Togo (where flooding has recently caused the displacement of approximately 4000 individuals) and in the central and northern regions (where flooding in 2007 created needs which remain unmet, and which have now actually increased due to the recent extensive damage to Togo's infrastructure)

- Continue to assess needs of women and children affected by flooding (UNICEF)

- Continue to assess nutritional requirements of affected populations (UNICEF)

- Request that the EPS assist with capacity building to improve the implementation of Togo's ORSEC (Organization of Emergency Response) plan (UNRC system)