The International Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross and Red Crescent response to emergencies. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation's disaster response system and increases the ability of national societies to respond to disasters.
CHF 326,078 (USD 313,536 or EUR 220,322) has been allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Tanzania Red Cross National Society (TRCNS) in delivering immediate assistance to some 5,000 beneficiaries. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
Summary: Several regions of the mainland of Tanzania are currently experiencing devastating floods following ongoing heavy rains that have poured in some areas almost continuously since 24 December 2009 to date (6 January 2010).
There is widespread destruction of infrastructure including damaged roads. A significant number of water wells which serve as the major sources of water for family use have been contaminated and thus rendering thousands of families without clean and safe water. Destruction of crops and pasture land has also been noted in all the affected communities. Majority of the affected persons are currently accommodated in makeshift structures and in some public schools.
The TRCNS has mobilize staff and volunteers to the most affected regions of Morogoro and Dodoma where distribution of non-food items (NFIs) and other relief items has begun.
This operation is expected to be implemented over 3 months, and will therefore be completed by 31 March 2010; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 30 June 2010).
The situation
Communities in Kilosa district of Morogoro region and Kongwa district in Dodoma region are among those most affected by floods. As a consequence of heavy rains along the highlands of Mpwapwa and Kongwa districts in Dodoma region; river Mkondoa which meanders into the Kilosa district overflowed resulting into unprecedented floods within the district headquarters and in the nearby wards and/or villages.
Communities in Kilosa urban locations and nearby communities essentially Muungano, Palakuyo and Mburade villages have been affected by floods. Approximately 1,000 families are homeless (a round 5,000 persons), 2,340 houses are under water and/or submerged, 260 houses have completely been damaged, water wells have also been damaged leaving over 5,000 victims without access to safe and clean water, a bridge linking Mpanani village A and B was damaged hence affecting the social and economic activities, 510 acres of farmland has been destroyed while 672 acres of pastures are under water. Isolated cases of cholera have been reported from flood affected areas and a total of 10 deaths have also been reported.
In Dodoma region, the most affected communities include Ndurugani, Pandambili, Mtunani, Ibwanga and Kilwa villages and/or wards; over 200 families are homeless, more than 300 houses and one secondary school is under water or damaged while 50 houses have been completely destroyed, eight deaths have been reported, several water wells flooded, roads and bridges extensively damaged, and an Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) outbreak has been reported.
A similar situation has been experienced in Ruvuma district in south western part of the country, where a total of 80 families (450 people) are homeless and at least 50 houses were completely destroyed.
The Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA), with a primary role in weather forecasts, had previously released an alert and/or early warning bulletin on El Nino which indicated that 16 regions including Morogoro and Dodoma were likely to be affected by heavy down pours which might result into severe floods. The normal rain season period from September to December 2009 was predicted to continue through into January 2010 as a result of El Nino conditions. During this time above normal rainfall was predicted and is currently materializing with devastating effects.