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Zambia

Zambia: Floods DREF Operation MDRZM008

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Summary: CHF 84,691 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Zambia Red Cross National Society (ZRCS) in delivering immediate assistance to some 300 families (1,800 beneficiaries). Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Heavy rain has caused flooding in Zambia from 17 January to 13 of February 2013, with Mumbwa district in the central province being the worst hit. The flooding has caused the displacement of hundreds of families and destruction of houses, infrastructure and crops. A total of 300 families have been identified as the most affected and are in need of emergency assistance. There is concern of increased risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera among the affected population.

ZRCS together with the government of Zambia and district disaster management committee (DDMC) undertook a rapid situation and needs assessment to determine the impact of the flooding and needs among those affected.

Based on the needs assessment, this DREF operation intends to respond to the emergency needs of 300 families, through the provision of food assistance for one month, basic household items, clean water and hygiene promotion to the situation, decrease vulnerability and reduce risks for diseases. Additionally, this operation will contribute to strengthen the ability of the ZRCS staff and volunteers to respond to emergencies.

This operation is expected to be implemented over a period of three months, and will therefore be completed by 30 May 2013. A final report will be made available three months after the end of the operation, by end of August 2013.

The major donors and partners of DREF include the Australian, American and Belgian governments, the Austrian Red Cross, the Canadian Red Cross and government, Danish Red Cross and government, the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), the Irish and the Italian governments, the Japanese Red Cross Society, the Luxembourg government, the Monaco Red Cross and government, the Netherlands Red Cross and government, the Norwegian Red Cross and government, the Spanish Government, the Swedish Red Cross and government, the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), the Medtronic and Z Zurich Foundations, and other corporate and private donors. The IFRC, on behalf of the National Society, would like to extend thanks to all for their generous contributions.