Mozambique - Floods OCHA Situation Report No. 3

Ref:OCHA/GVA/2000/0014
Mozambique - Floods
OCHA Situation Report No. 3
10 February 2000

Situation

1. This report summarises information from the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC), WFP, the Mozambique Red Cross Society (MRCS) and MSF (Belgium and Switzerland) received through the Office of the UN Resident Co-ordinator in Maputo, Mozambique.

2. Due to heavy rains between 4-7 February, Incomati, Umbeluzi and Sabie rivers have flooded causing extensive damage especially in and around the cities of Maputo and Matola. Transportation between cities (Maputo, Matola, Boane, Namaacha and Ressano Garcia) has been cut off. Between Maputo, Matola and Machava, an access has been restored via alternative routes. No electricity and water service available in Matola. The preliminary figures show that 200,000 persons in Matola and Maputo have been affected. The Emergency Technical Committees in Matola and Maputo have begun rescue operations using the fire brigade and boats provided by INGC. Public facilities have been turned into shelters for the displaced. The latest figure shows that around 22,000 people are accommodated in 11 sites in Matola and 14 sites in Maputo.

3. According to INGC, the situation in the north, especially in Gaza and Inhambane provinces is expected to be deteriorating due to the heavy rains and the increase of the water levels of rivers coming from South Africa. An evacuation plan for residents in those areas is being drawn up. The water level of the Limpopo River has reached a critical level.

National and International Response

4. The Prime Minister announced that 1,000 MT of maize would be made available immediately. The Government is ready to purchase another 5,000 MT. The Ministry of Defence is trying to set up kitchens at the centres accommodating the displaced.

5. A UN Disaster Assessment and Co-ordination Team (UNDAC) will be deployed to assist the UN Resident Co-ordinator in close co-operation with the Government.

6. WFP has received a request from the Maputo Provincial Government to provide food aid to 54,644 persons in Maputo province (Boane 1,190, Manhica 30,000, Moamba 12,254, Matutuine 3,600, Marracuene 1,000, Magude 3,100 and Namaacha 3,500 persons). In Matola, WFP is distributing food to 2,000 persons being accommodated in 11 sites.

7. The Mozambique Red Cross Society has been assessing the situation and volunteers will be placed for relief operations. It will establish three assistance/information posts and run radio programmes for disseminating information/update on flood situation, health advice and missing persons. CHF 100,000 (approx. USD 60,976) was released from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) in support of the operation.

8. MSF (Belgium and Switzerland) will place several water tanks at 8 sites in Maputo City and at 3 sites in Matola. They have already provided 9 water pumps, 5 doctors and 5 technicians.

9. The South African Government has provided two cargo helicopters that have been used for rescue mission. Various non-food items, i.e. tents, blankets and kitchen utensils, will be made available.

10. OCHA is in close contact with the UN Resident Co-ordinator's Office. A meeting between the Government and the local donor community has taken place this morning in Maputo. OCHA will revert with further details of the situation and the results of the meeting.

11. 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.

12. This Situation Report and further information on ongoing emergencies are also available on the OCHA Internet Website at: http://www.reliefweb.int.

Telephone number: + 41-22-917-1234
In case of emergency only: + 41 22 917 2010

Desk Officers: Mr. Klaus Wiersing/ Ms. Yasuko Sawada,
Disaster Response Branch, direct Tel: + 41 22 917 2770/1768

Contact person for the media: Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli, direct tel: +41-22-917-2653

Telex 41 42 42 ocha ch
Fax: + 41 22 917 0023
E-mail: ochagva@un.org