CHF 192,662 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Senegalese Red Cross Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 1,000 families affected by floods in Thiès. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: The regional seasonal forecasts of the African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD) have predicted higher than normal rainfall in some parts of West Africa, including Senegal. Since 1 August 2011, the western central regions of Senegal have been experiencing torrential rains. Some 5,214 people have been affected by the floods (latest update from the field) in Thies. Additional rains caused flash floods, increasing the vulnerability of the community. The situation is chaotic in the city and some essential services have been disrupted. The discharge of septic tanks and wastewater make people fear a threat of outbreak.
Senegalese Red Cross volunteers have been deployed from the outset to assess the situation. Of the 5,214 people directly affected, 6 have been reported injured. Some 328 displaced families whose houses have been destroyed have been evacuated by Red Cross volunteers and temporarily housed in neighbouring homes and schools. In coordination with the disaster committee, Red Cross volunteers remain engaged in ongoing needs assessment.
The planned response will utilize DREF resources to target 1,000 families (4,500 people). It aims to reduce immediate vulnerability through provision of e s s e n t i a l relief materials, to improve shelter for the 328 displaced families, to help prevent outbreak of communicable diseases and malaria, and improve access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation.
This operation is expected to be implemented over three (3) months, and will therefore be completed by October 2011. A Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by end January 2012).