Attachments
Summary of major revisions made to emergency plan of action
This update is to inform on the progress in the implementation since the launch of the operation and extend the implementation timeframe for two months to complete the outstanding activities.
The Senegalese Red Cross (SRCS) has been operating in the field from the onset of the disaster, facing some challenges that have contributed to delaying the activities. The proactive adaptation measures to the challenges and difficulties encountered by the SRCS require an extension of the timeframe to ensure completion of the remaining activities. This delay led the NS to propose a new planning of activities which requires two additional months to complete the implementation of the project:
• Implementation of the planned activities were delayed due to the lack of availability of the staff dedicated to the DREF. The start of DREF implementation coincided with national religious events that mobilized the target communities and volunteers from the concerned committees.
• A meeting was held with the DREF team and National Society (NS) management to share and harmonize strategies for the operation.
• The DREF activities coincided with the finalisation of programmes already underway, and which had to be completed by the end of October 2022.
The following has been achieved
• Training of 80 volunteers on in-depth assessment and a briefing on cash.
• In-depth assessment for the targeting of 975 beneficiary households.
• Training of 160 volunteers on water, hygiene, and sanitation.
• Implementation of CEA mechanism.
• Distribution of cash to 480 households in the three regions, i.e., in eight departments.
• Launching of the purchase of 1,500 dignity kits and 975 hygiene kits. The items are expected to be received soon.
• Pumping of water, cleaning, and emptying of pits is ongoing in Dakar and Thiès regions.
• Disinfection activities are ongoing smoothly in human settlements (homes, places of worship and schools) in Thiès and Dakar.
• The process of building latrines is underway (sizing of structures, identification of service providers, identification of material needs, signing of commitment forms with beneficiaries).
What remains to be done
• The Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM)
• Distribution of hygiene and dignity kits
• Sensitization of beneficiaries on the use of the kits • Continued pumping, cleaning and emptying of pits
• Continued disinfection in human settlements
• Construction of 62 latrines in the three regions
• Rehabilitation of 112 latrines in the three regions
• Organization of the lessons learned workshop
Request for extension of the DREF
The Senegalese Red Cross, in view of the delay in the implementation of the DREF, is requesting a two-month extension of the DREF. The new end date is 31 March 2023.
A. SITUATION ANALYSIS
Description of the disaster In recent years, Senegal has experienced a disruption of its rainfall patterns, which has had a considerable impact on a large part of its communities living in areas at risk. Despite the considerable efforts made by the authorities each year in the fight against flooding, the problem remains.
From 5 to 7 August 2022, the cities of Dakar, Thiès and Matam recorded very heavy rainfall totalling almost 500 mm for the three regions concerned (Dakar, Thiès and Matam), according to weather data. According to information from the volunteers' assessments, this situation caused a great deal of damage in the above-mentioned areas, resulting in the destruction of 170 homes and the displacement of 1,396 families who were housed in schools or hosted by neighbours in very difficult living conditions. Some 317 families were not rehoused and are still living in their homes affected by the floods.
The Senegalese Red Cross carried out the first relief actions in collaboration with partners (Government and PNS). It received financial and technical support from the IFRC to respond to the floods in the three target departments. Currently, the situation is calm. The rains have stopped in all localities. But the damage is still visible. In the region of Matam, the situation is completely back to normal except that in some places, material damage has been observed (houses, and latrines)
In the regions of Dakar and Thiès, more than two months after the rains have stopped the situation remains a critical in the sense that some houses are still flooded. Groundwater is gushing out of the ground in some houses despite the pumping that has been done in Thiès, Rufisque, Keur Massar, Guédiawaye, and Pikine. This has necessitated the provision of four electric pumps to the rainwater management committees to continue pumping water.
The material damage is visible, and some families have still not returned to their homes because of the situation. Some latrines are unusable despite the emptying activities carried out, leading to the risk of contamination and waterborne diseases. This situation is very difficult for families, especially in houses with multiple households.