Floods in southern Angola

LUANDA, 18 April - The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Angola today expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in flood-affected areas of southern Angola.
Heavy rains and flooding during the past several weeks have caused extensive damage in the three Provinces of Benguela, Namibe and Cunene. Bridges over the Beiro and Giraul rivers in Namibe Province have collapsed and the railroad connections between the Port of Namibe and Huíla Province are cut, severely impacting the transport of humanitarian assistance.

Under the leadership of UTCAH, an inter-agency mission of UN Agencies and NGOs assessed humanitarian conditions in Namibe City on 13 April. The team found that approximately 9,500 people had been newly displaced and required emergency shelter. The team also reported that agricultural land is flooded, affecting current and future food security. Members were particularly concerned about the increased risk of diarrhoea and malaria due to the lack of safe drinking water and poor sanitation. A plan of action is being implemented as a matter of priority by the Government and humanitarian partners. First steps included registration of flood-affected populations by UTCAH and WFP during the weekend. WFP will commence food distributions beginning tomorrow and other agencies will despatch emergency kits and plastic sheeting in coordination with local authorities. Additional assessments in hard-to-reach areas in the interior of the Province are planned for later this week.

Heavy rains have also affected the Municipalities of Lobito, Benguela and Baía Farta in Benguela Province. The hardest areas include Canto, Senje and Luacho near Dombe Grande where more than 6,300 displaced persons and an unknown number of residents live. Under the leadership of UTCAH, an inter-agency team of UN Agencies and NGOs visited Dombe Grande on 11 April. The team recommended that Government helicopters be dispatched as a matter of priority to assess conditions in isolated communities and to distribute food and non-food items. An attack on Dombe Grande on 14 April has further aggravated the precarious humanitarian situation.

The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Ronald Sibanda said: "The recent assessments in Namibe and Benguela Provinces have shown that the heavy rains have created serious humanitarian problems that need to be urgently addressed. We are working very closely with the Government to help the flood victims and to provide appropriate complimentary support to meet urgent needs. " Mr Sibanda continued: "To provide the kind of assistance that is necessary, humanitarian agencies require urgent financial support."

By the end of March, contributions and pledges had been received for approximately 15 percent of the United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency in the Appeal for 2001. The 2001 Appeal totals USD 225,846,859 including approximately USD 201million for UN Agencies and USD 23 million for non-governmental organizations.

For further information, please contact:

Information Unit
OCHA Angola
+244 2 444 321 - thompson5@un.org