DHAGVA - 98/0104
SITUATION UPDATES:
1. According to the UN Resident Coordinator in Kinshasa, the level of the Congo River, which had been risen due to recent torrential rains, is now decreasing in Kisangani. In Mbandaka (in Equateur Province, half way between Kisangani and Kinshasa), no report has been received so far on major flooding.
2. Pending the outcome of the IFRC assessment mission, which was due back on 5 January, a caseload of 20,000 persons in Province Orientale, including Kisangani, has been taken by WFP as its working figure to anticipate the next step of assistance.
3. According to CRS, up to 80 percent of houses were destroyed in the few villages visited so far. For example, in Isangi, located where the Congo and Lomami Rivers converge, 80 percent of about 13,000 inhabitants have been affected. In Bosoko, flown over by ICRC, the scale of damage is estimated at some 20 percent. Upward in Kindu in Maniema Province and Ubundu and Lowa in Province Orientale, the Congo River is reported to be more stable.
4. An outbreak of cholera is also reported. Tentative figures so far indicate 1,124 cases, 211 deaths, and 500 patients currently treated for cholera and other diseases. Although the population of Kisangani has not yet been affected, there are now two affected locations, the Kapalata camp and the military camp nearby, where 13 cases and 1 death have been reported on 1 January, with a cumulative total of 87 cases. The situation is aggravated by acute malnutrition, and there is a need for food and nutritional assistance in the two camps, in addition to the medical efforts under way. Medical supplies and materials are reportedly available in sufficient quantities, as long as the epidemic remains confined to its two sources of infection.
COORDINATION:
5. The Crisis Committee was formed and, starting 2 January, meets on a weekly basis. The Committee consists of DHA, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, WHO, IFRC, ICRC, MSF, Caritas, CRS, the Congolese Health Coordination (an NGO network), and the Ministers of Interior, Health, Environment, and Defense, as well as the Governor of the Province Orientale.
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE:
6. At the request of the Government, WFP sent 3 tons of BP5 biscuits and is preparing a further shipment of food, while UNICEF is preparing a second shipment of food relief.
7. ICRC is supporting the efforts to ensure water supply which is currently at the level of 8 hours of water per day. Memisa (a Belgian NGO) and Caritas are in the process of finalizing a shipment of clothes, tents, and blankets.
8. To combat the reported outbreak of cholera, ICRC and MSF are providing medical treatments and referrals in the affected camps. UNICEF and WHO are running a street information campaign, to prevent the spread of diseases, e.g., malaria and insalubrity, as the water level of the Congo River drops.
ASSISTANCE NEEDS:
9. The Government has made an initial request for additional support from international humanitarian organizations, while more detailed, substantial data on assistance requirements are expected to be issued shortly.
CHANNEL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS:
10. DHA is prepared to serve as a channel for cash contributions, to be used during the immediate relief phase, in coordination/consultation with relevant organizations of the United Nations system. DHA provides donors with written confirmation and pertinent details concerning the utilization of the funds contributed. Donors wishing to channel their contributions through DHA should transfer funds to DHA account no. CO.590.160.1 at the Swiss Bank Corporation, Case Postale 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland, with reference: DRC - Floods.
11. For coordination purposes, donors are requested to inform DHA Geneva, as indicated below, of relief missions, pledges or contributions and their corresponding values by item.
Telephone number: + 41 22 917 1234
In case of emergency only: + 41 22 917 2010
Desk Officer: Ms. Kayo Gotoh, direct tel: +41-22-917-1258
Contact for medias: Ms M. Moulin-Acevedo, direct tel: + 41 22 917
2856
Telex 41 42 42 dha ch
Fax: + 41 22 917 0023
E-mail: info at dha.unicc.org