After causing flooding in Namibia, the rising waters of the Zambezi River and its tributaries have now inundated northern areas of Zambia, raising fears of serious food insecurity. Around 20,000 people have been displaced and are currently accommodated in schools and churches, but many have remained in flooded areas to look after their remaining assets. They have no access to clean or safe water, toilets, habitable shelter or adequate food, which has prompted concerns about a possible increase in cases of malaria, water-borne diseases and malnutrition. Grazing pastures and virtually the entire crop of maize, cassava and rice in the region have been lost. "The situation is unlikely to improve in the coming months," said Zambian Red Cross (ZRCS) President Tito Fachi. "Agricultural production from the eastern bank of the Zambezi will not be enough to sustain the food requirements for the flooded western bank. Affected households have been forced to harvest their crops early in an attempt to salvage them from total destruction." After an initial assessment and the release of 20,000 Swiss francs from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, ZRCS volunteers began distributing relief items and conducting health and hygiene awareness activities. However, there is still a need for tarpaulins, latrines, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, jerry cans and water purification sachets.
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