Mozambique: INGC Situation Report 15 Mar 2000

Instituto Nacional de Gestao das Calamidades

1. Evolution of the Floods

The levels of the Umbelúzi and Movene Rivers are below the alert level and are now stabilising.

At Ressano Garcia, the Incomati dropped 0.87m, and is now below the alert level. In Magude the river is stabilising, though it remains 0.88m above the alert level.

The waters of the Limpopo River continue to drop, although a slight rise is expected over the next few days due to the heavy rains in South Africa on 11/03/2000 and 12/03/2000. In Xai-Xai, the water levels are slowly decreasing

Heavy rainfall has been recorded in the basins of the Save, Búzi and Púngoe river basins. If this continues the EN1 between Vulanjane (Inhassoro) and Pambara (Vilanculos), and the Chicamba dam will have to begin discharging water by Saturday. These discharges could cause flooding in Sussundenga district, Goonda Administrative Post, Estaquinha, Bandua, and Vila de Búzi. If the Púngoe River continues to rise, it will flood the EN6 between Beira and Inchope. The EN1 near Muari has already been cut off due to the rising water levels.

Slight flooding has been reported in Zumbo, along the Zambeze River. The water levels in Tete are dropping steadily, though levels are rising in Caia (probably due to increased flows in the River Chire.

2. Current Meteorological Forecast

A surface low is presently situated north-west of Vilanculos. This is causing widespread rain and thundershowers between Beira and Vilanculos, and extends over the interior regions of the country. This low will move slightly southwards tomorrow, bringing rain to Maputo Province tomorrow. These will gradually weaken by 18/03/2000. In the area north of Quelimane, there is a slight (20%) chance of rain.

Heavy showers are also falling over Zambia, Malawi, and the northern regions of Zimbabwe and Botswana.

3. Relief Action Under way

The Joint Air Operations managed to transport 120.2 tons of relief items and 187 passengers yesterday. The Dominican Republic has sent a team of 24 army personnel to assist with the relief operations in Chókwè.

A team was dispatched from Beira yesterday, with the intention of reaching Mambone with tents and a generator for the hospital there. However, poor weather conditions prevented them reaching the town. A joint team comprising Firemen and Portuguese soldiers managed to distribute 3,800kg of food to 3,900 people along the Save River.

An additional camp is to be opened at Maluvane, at the crossing of the Mambone road. This is being done to improve the overcrowded conditions in Pande camp (currently 1,076 people there). A team from CARE will travel today to the Mahave camp, in order to assess conditions there. CARE is also working to reopen the Mambone road, providing jobs with a food-for-work programme.

4. Reports from Sector Desks

Food

Deliveries of food were disrupted in the Save region yesterday, as the recent rains have cut the road from Beira off at various points. As a result of this, only 70 tons of food were delivered (mostly in the Limpopo Valley).

A British Naval vessel is to be pre-positioned near the mouth of the Save River, to facilitate helicopter transfer of relief items to Machanga. This is currently being loaded with food and non-food supplies.

The collection of data relating to camp and beneficiary numbers is continuing.

Agriculture

MAP aims to send technicians to Chibuto, Chókwè, and Xai-Xai in order to carry out detailed assessments on the damage that has been caused to the agricultural land in these areas, and also to ensure correct identification of the needs.

Seed and tool distribution is underway. MAP is currently purchasing 60,000 kits (financed by the Italian Co-operation). Potential funding from DFID, EU and USAID has yet to be confirmed.

DFID does have some funds available for this sector, and is currently considering proposals from both national and international NGOs. Some British-based NGOs will also be receiving funds from a flood appeal made to the British Public. Local NGOs may therefore wish to contact these British NGOs to see if they can co-fund seeds and tools proposals.

The improvement of co-operation between this sector and the food aid sector is continuing.

Health

MISAU have announced that all relief organisations working in the health sector must be registered with them by the end of today. Failure to do so will reportedly result in expulsion from the country. As of this morning, 19 NGOs had been approved by MISAU to work in certain areas of the country (See attached sheet).

Following visits to five accommodation centres in Maputo City, MISAU are concerned about the existing health and sanitation conditions. In all the centres visited, there was an insufficient supply of food (only cereals), a lack of latrines, and a lack of hygienic materials.

Two doctors have been transferred to Macia (Chacalane Camp) and to Xai-Xai.

Water/Sanitation

The water and sanitation group in Beira has decided to focus on Machanga. They have so far completed repairing the water pumps in Búzi-sede, though have not yet finished in the outlying areas.

The population in certain areas are not utilising the existing latrines, and awareness raising campaigns need to be introduced into the camps along the Save River.

Shelter/Accommodation Centres/Non-Food Items

In addition to the goods announced yesterday, the following materials were distributed:

14/03/2000

Chókwè: 1,250 blankets
Beira: 50 bundles of clothes

15/03/2000

Chibuto 1,250 blankets

Latest figures from Xai-Xai indicate eight centres in the city