United Nations seeks USD 2.7 million for flood affected people in Namibia

(Johannesburg, 2 April 2009): The United Nations is seeking US$2.7 million to support the Republic of Namibia respond to floods caused by heavy rains that have displaced nearly 13,000 and damaged the homes and livelihoods of a total of 350,000 people.

The Government has responded to the crisis by establishing 21 relocation camps in six regions for the affected, through a US$11 million allocation of emergency funding. The number of people in relocation centres continues to grow as access to those displaced by the flooding increases.

UN agencies are seeking funds to address immediate food, health, education, water and sanitation and shelter needs. Of the US$2.7 million required, more than US$800,000 is needed to provide those displaced in camps with clean water and sanitation facilities. Another US$600,000 will be used towards the provision of emergency health services and medical supplies for the prevention and treatment of communicable diseases, including cholera. Nearly US$265,000 is needed for the rehabilitation of six schools affected by floods, to ensure that children go back to school as soon as possible in a child-friendly and hygienic environment.

The rains, which occurred later this year but with greater intensity, have displaced another 81,000 in Angola and Botswana, and left a total of 220,500 people in the two countries with some property and/or livelihood loss.

"Given the high likelihood of continued heavy rainfall until the end of May, we may see greater needs in the region for emergency assistance as more people become displaced or otherwise affected," said Kelly David, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Regional Office for Southern Africa. "This comes after two consecutive severe flood and cyclone seasons from which tens of thousands of people have yet to recover."

In addition to Namibia, Angola has been one of the two most severely affected countries. There, excessive rainfall has affected about 220,000 people, including more than 81,000 who have been displaced in the provinces of Cunene, Kuando Kubango, Moxico, Malange, Bie, Huambo and Lunda Sul. Additionally, 225,000 hectares of agricultural land have been destroyed. The Government is responding to the crisis with an allocation of US$ 21 million to purchase and distribute food and non-food items to the affected. UN agencies are supporting the Government-led response with emergency assistance to address immediate health, shelter as well as water and sanitation needs.

For further information, please call: OCHA-Southern Africa: Michelle Thulkanam, +27 11 517 1635, mobile + 27 82 4111 442, thulkanam@un.org; OCHA-New York: Stephanie Bunker, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1917 892 1679, bunker@un.org; Nicholas Reader +1 212 963 4961, mobile +1 646 752 3117, reader@un.org; John Nyaga,+ 1 917 367 9262, mobile+1 917 318 8917, nyagaj@un.org;

OCHA-Geneva: Elisabeth Byrs,, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570, byrs@un.org.
OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int.