Mozambique - Floods OCHA Situation Report No. 5

Ref: OCHA/GVA-2000/0017
Mozambique - Floods
OCHA Situation Report No. 5
11 February 2000

5-member UN Disaster Assessment and Co-ordination (UNDAC) Team will be arriving in Maputo tomorrow, 12 February

1. This report summarizes WFP's flood emergency situation report forwarded through the UN Resident Co-ordinator, Maputo, Mozambique.

2. The water levels of Incomati, Umbeluzi, Sabie and Limpopo rivers running through southern provinces (Maputo and Gaza) are beyond flooding points. All of the reservoirs in South Africa are reportedly full, excess flow of rivers running from South Africa would cause further flooding in Mozambique depending on rainfall. The water level of Save, Gorongosa and Ripembe rivers running through Inhambane and Sofala provinces (the north of Maputo province) have increased:

Maputo province:

Maputo: Evacuation and accommodation of the affected people and provision of basic humanitarian assistance are priority needs. Rationing of water has started as the water treatment plant Umbeluzi has been flooded and the one in Matola is not operational.

Matola: In addition to 2,000 persons being accommodated in public facilities, there are 15,000 to 20,000 persons at home without food, the City Council reported. Services for water and electricity have not been fully restored.

In other areas of Maputo province: An assessment mission comprised of representatives from INGC, WFP, MSF, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment were dispatched on 8 February. Pequenos Lebombos Dam will decrease its level of water discharge as the water level decreases, which may possibly restore an access to some areas depending on road damages.

Gaza province:

The raising water level of the Limpopo River may cause further flooding in Xai-Xai and Chibuto. So far, 5,000 persons have been displaced in Xai-Xai.

Inhambane province:

The flooding from the River Save is affecting Govuro district in the north of Inhambane. An access road to Save and Inhassoro has been disturbed. Inhambane province will probably be isolated from Gaza and Sofala provinces by road.

Sofala province:

The Buzi River has started flooding affecting most of the districts. 6,975 families are reportedly affected and 34,874 persons have been evacuated. In Chibabava, the Buzi River has flooded Mangunde locality. There is no access to the south of the province, namely Machanga. The main road to Maputo is impassable in Chibabava. In the northern part of the province, the situation is not considered alarming, while some crops along the river basin were flooded in Caia.

National and International Response

3. On 10 February, the Government launched an appeal for USD 2.7 million for emergency relief assistance (for details, please refer to OCHA Situation Report no.4). The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC) stated that immediate needs are drinking water, blankets, cooking utensils, food and medicaments for malaria, skin infection and diarrhoea in addition to the appeal. Needs assessment is being undertaken to determine further priority requirements.

4. In addition, the Ministry of Finance indicated that a very preliminary estimate to repair erosion-related damages in Maputo city would cost no less than USD 15 million. Matola, the most affected area, which is the heart of Mozambique's industries, will require significant rehabilitation. The Government and development agencies are also looking into rehabilitation/development projects along with the ongoing humanitarian relief operation.

5. OCHA has dispatched 5 member UN Disaster Assessment and Co-ordination Team to assist the UN Resident Co-ordinator and the Government.

6. OCHA is prepared to serve, as a channel for cash contributions for the immediate relief needs. Funds channelled through OCHA will be spent in co-ordination with the relevant organizations of the UN system and OCHA will provide written confirmation of their use. Funds should be transferred to OCHA Account No. CO-590.160.1 SWIFT-code SBC0CHGG12A - at the UBS AG, PO Box 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland, with reference: OCHA - Mozambique - Floods 2000.

7. 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.

8. 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

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Fax: + 41 22 917 0023
E-mail: ochagva@un.org