Summary
The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe is appealing for Zim$826 million (USD$21.2 million) from the international community to meet urgent humanitarian needs, identified so far, in the provision of food, shelter, potable water, clothing and emergency medical supplies for the victims of the devastating floods caused by unusually heavy rains and tropical cyclone Eline.
Approximately 500,000 people have been affected by the floods, of whom roughly 250,000 people are believed to be in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, including some 20,000 people displaced by the flooding. As of now, over 70 people have lost their lives due to the floods. Efforts are underway to provide a breakdown on specificrequirements by sector. More comprehensive information will be provided shortly.
Background
Cyclone Eline, which reached Zimbabwe on February 22nd, was preceded by extensive rainfall, particularly in the eastern and southern parts of the country. The heavy rains, which tapered off on March 1st, together with the cyclone and the ensuing floods have had a devastating effect on communities, crops and livestock, infrastructure and the environment.
The country’s major rivers, including the Limpopo, Save, Mutirikwi and Runde, overran their banks, destroying homes, bridges, dams, roads, schools, clinics and farmland. The damage to infrastructure is extensive. As the flooding continues, so too does the destruction. Assistance from the international community is urgently needed to meet the pressing needs of those vulnerable people most affected by the flood destruction.
Preliminary Description of the Devastation
Masvingo Province
The greatest damage in this province occurred in Chiredzi district, where approximately 2,500 homes were destroyed and over 1,000 livestock lost. Over 500 kilometres of roads were destroyed, as well as 11 bridges and 2 dams. Over 3,500 hectares of farmland were flooded, leading to a loss of Zim$63 million of crops (USD$1.6 million).
Matebeleland South Province
Over 16,000 livestock were lost and crops worth Zim$580 million (USD$14.9 million) on 26,000 hectares were washed away. In addition, 61 dams, 98 schools and 42 clinics were damaged, and 51 bridges and 13,000 granaries were destroyed.
Manicaland Province
Unprecedented damage was suffered in this province,: 25 major bridges were damaged which will cost in excess of Zim$200 million (USD$5.1 million) to repair. 2,000 kilometres of road and 9 dams were damaged. Some 1,300 homes were destroyed, and crops worth Zim$2 billion (USD51.3 million) were lost.
Midlands
In Mberengwa district, the Mataga dam was breached, which led to the evacuation of over one thousand people to safety. There was also considerable damage to the road network in this province, as well as to dams and other infrastructure.
Emergency Needs Identified (Subject to change as more areas become accessible)
| Items |
Quantity
|
Unit Cost Zim($)
|
Unit Cost USD($)
|
Total Cost Zim($)
|
Total Cost USD($)
|
| Food (3 months supply) |
250,000
|
1,500
|
38
|
375 000,000
|
9,615,385
|
| Tents |
12,000
|
1,600
|
41
|
19,200,000
|
492,308
|
| Blankets |
45,000
|
300
|
8
|
13,500,000
|
346,154
|
| Temp. Toilets |
4, 000
|
2,000
|
51
|
8,000,000
|
205,128
|
| Washing Soap |
250,000
|
50
|
1
|
12,500,000
|
320,513
|
| Plastic Water Containers |
100,000
|
150
|
4
|
15,000,000
|
384,615
|
| Pots & Plates (Sets) |
8,000
|
1 500
|
38
|
12,000,000
|
307,692
|
| Organic Stoves |
8,000
|
1 860
|
48
|
14,880,000
|
381,538
|
| Clothing |
40,000
|
500
|
13
|
20,000,000
|
512,821
|
| Chlorine (MT) |
20
|
78,000
|
2,000
|
1,560,000
|
40,000
|
| Plastic Sheeting (Square Meters) |
100,000
|
1,700
|
44
|
170,000,000
|
4,358,974
|
| Generators |
25
|
250,000
|
6,410
|
6,250,000
|
160,256
|
| Medical & Surgical Items, incl. Drugs |
12,500,000
|
320,513
|
|||
| Water bousers |
2,000,000
|
51,282
|
|||
| Roofs for clinics & schools |
4,000,000
|
102,564
|
|||
| Mosquito repellants |
10,000,000
|
256,410
|
|||
| Essential Services: Primary Health Clinics |
80,000,000
|
2,051,282
|
|||
| Support to Schools |
50,000,000
|
1,282,051
|
|||
| GRAND TOTAL |
826,390,000
|
21,189,487
|
National and International Response
The Government has been providing emergency assistance to those most affected by the disaster through the Civil Protection Department in the Ministry of Local Government and National Housing. In addition, local communities, church organizations and the private and civil society at large have responded positively to local needs.
The Red Cross, and international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), among others, are in various stages of assisting with the disaster needs. The United Nations Country Team for Zimbabwe has been active in the coordination and assessment efforts, and plans are underway for follow-up actions.
The urgent support of the international community to the disaster needs in Zimbabwe is greatly appreciated. For further information, please contact the Department of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Local Government and National Housing.