DHAGVA - 98/0001
I. SITUATION
1. According to latest information from the UN Resident Coordinator at Kinshasa, the stricken population is estimated at around 10,000 to 14,000, 9,000 of whom in Kisangani. 1,500 houses were damaged or destroyed in Kisangani.
2. These figures take into account only reachable areas and villages. Only a few of the affected villages have, so far, been visited. At present, it is not possible to provide an accurate number of the affected population.
3. According to latest reports, Mbandaka, capital city of the Equateur province, has not been affected by the river flood. However, the risk of damage to riverside residents remains high.
4. The UN Resident Coordinator reports an outbreak of cholera epidemic in the Kapalata military camp (approx. 6,000 soldiers) near Kisangani.
II. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
5. The Government of DRC is still in the process of evaluating the scale of damage caused by the floods. A coordination meeting is scheduled today, Friday, 2 January 1998 at the Ministry of Interior.
6. UNICEF and NGOs have sent relief materials and supplies, WHO is providing medical support together with UNICEF and has set up an ad hoc crisis committee in Kinshasa. The ICRC has committed health staff and equipment. MSF (Médecins Sans Frontièrs, experienced in cholera treatment) has fielded 5 MT of materials and 6 professionals).
7. The IFRC is keeping available in Kinshasa 150 MT of rice, 29 MT of biscuits, 68 MT of soap, 359 rolls of plastic sheeting, 22,000 blankets, 20,000 mats, and 10,000 jerrycans, which may be dispatched according to the results of the Red Cross assessment mission.
8. The following organizations still have their offices in the Kisangani area: UNICEF, WHO, ICRC, MEMISA, and CARITAS.
9. The lack of storage space and transport capacity as well as management issues are affecting the delivery of relief assistance.
III. CHANNELS FOR DELIVERY OF INTERNATIONAL AID
10. Funds channelled through DHA for the immediate relief phase will be spent in coordination with the relevant organizations of the UN system, and DHA provides donor Governments with written confirmation on their use.
11. Funds should be transferred to DHA account No. CO-590.160. at Swiss Bank Cooperation, POB 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, with reference. Democratic Republic of Congo Floods, DHA-Geneva.
12. For coordination purposes, donors are requested to inform DHA-Geneva of bilateral pledges, contributions and other activities, indicating the corresponding value by item.
IV. DHA CONTACTS
Telephone No. +41-22-917-1234
In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917-2010
Desk Officers: Ms. K. Gotoh, Tel. +41-22-917-1258
Press to contact: Ms. Moulin-Acevedo, Direct Tel. +41-22-917-2856
Telex: 414242 DHA CH
Fax: +41-22-917-0023
E-mail: DHAGVA AT DHA.UNICC.ORG