Iraq - Floods: Flash Update No. 2, 27 November 2018

This report is produced by OCHA Iraq in collaboration with humanitarian partners and with the input of official institutions. It covers the events of 25-27 November 2018. Additional Flash Updates may be issued if required.

I. HIGHLIGHTS

• Heavy rainfall on 22-23 November caused severe flooding across Iraq, leading to the displacement of thousands of people

• An estimated 10,000 people in Salah al-Din and 22,000 people in Ninewa need assistance, including thousands of families living in IDP camps

• The Qayyarah Airstrip and Jeddah IDP camps in Ninewa, and Shirqat town and AlKhadraniya and Hureya villages in Salah al-Din, are among the most heavily affected areas

II. Situation Overview

Torrential rainfall on 22-23 November caused severe flooding across Iraq, leading to the displacement of thousands of people and multiple deaths and injuries. Ninewa and Salah al-Din are the most heavily affected governorates, with bridges, roads and villages being inundated; damage was also recorded in the southern part of the country.

An estimated 10,000 people in Salah al-Din and 22,000 people in Ninewa need assistance, including thousands of families living in IDP camps. Assessments by humanitarian actors in Ninewa have identified immediate needs as tent replacement, provision of WASH services, and drainage/clearing operations in the Qayyarah Airstrip camp, Jeddah camps 1 through 6, Salamiyah camps 1 & 2, Hamam Al Alil camp 2 and Nimrud Camp. Food rations and NFI kits are also required as people remain displaced from home.

In Salah al-Din, Rapid Needs Assessments have identified immediate needs of food, mattresses, blankets, heaters, medical assistance and cash. There are concerns regarding unexploded ordinance (UXO) in the affected villages, which may affect the humanitarian response. Needs in Salah al-Din are being primarily met by local authorities, I/NNGO partners are the Iraqi Red Crescent. An assessment mission to Al Qurna district in Basra identified very limited casualties and damage attributable to the heavy rains.

III. Humanitarian Needs and Response

NINEWA

• WASH: Flooding of cesspools and septic tanks has occurred in all Jeddah and Qarayya Airstrip camps, putting the entire population at risk to disease outbreak. The access roads to Jeddah 4, 5, 6 and Airstrip were damaged, meaning water trucks are unable to pass. In addition, drainage channels have been damaged and flooded, especially in Jedaah 3 & 5. IOM is working to repair the roads; Camp Management and WASH partners have begun awareness campaigns in the camps to inform the IDPs that water provision may be delayed for a couple of days and to encourage water conservation. RRM is being delivered at double water quantity to fill any gaps. UNICEF has sent RRM kits for 2,700 families in Jeddah and Airstrip camps either through partner WEO, and distributions have started.

• NFI: Non Food Items (NFIs) are items other than food used in humanitarian contexts when providing assistance to those affected by natural disasters or crisis. NFI kits often include essential household items such as mattresses, blankets, plastic sheets, containers for water, cooking utensils and hygiene kits. Other items can be added to the kits, such as heaters, rubber boots, sleeping bags and winter clothes) 3100 NFI kits (including Hygiene Kits) distributed by IOM; 115 NFI kits distributed by UNHCR; 14,100 blankets distributed by ICRC

• RRM: Each Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) kit is meant to support a family of seven for one week, and consists of immediate response food rations, a hygiene kit, a dignity kit, potable water and a water container. 3100 RRM kits have been distributed by NGO partner WEO on behalf of UNICEF/WFP/UNFPA

• Food: 7250 food baskets provided by WFP (with support from IOM); 1100 food baskets provided by MOMD.

• Health: WHO and partners available to provide primary health services as required

SALAH AL-DIN

• WASH: much of the damage being witnessed in Shirqat is linked to the fact that storm water drainage canals and tunnels have been blocked, buried instead of repaired or reconstructed.
Water infrastructure repairs planned by Terre des Hommes; water trucking planned by Mercy Corps

• Shelter/NFI: Blankets and mattresses distributed by community and local Sheiks; 125 Dignity kits distributed by UIMS; 686 NFI kits provided by UNHCR; 1100 Winterization kits to be distributed by Mercy Hands/UNHCR/Save the Children Iraq

• RRM: 400 RRM kits distributed by UIMS; 400 RRM kits distributed by RIRP on behalf of UNICEF/WFP/UNFPA

• Food: 1500 food baskets provided by Governor’s office; 400 food baskets provided by Iraqi Red Crescent; 125 food baskets provided by WFP

• Health: WHO and partners available to provide primary health services as required

VI. Contact

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Hilary Stauffer, Reporting and Communications: staufferh@un.org