Southern Africa: Floods and Cyclones Situation Report No. 1
HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES
1. In Namibia, 350,000 people have been affected by flooding. A flash Appeal of US$ 2.4 million will be launched soon.
2. In Angola, 200,000 people have been affected by flooding. A joint IOM-UNICEF-WHO CERF application of US$ 2.3 million has been submitted and is pending approval.
3. Cyclone Izilda, lying south-west of Madagascar, is dissipating, but could still cause more heavy rainfall in central and southern Mozambique.
SITUATION OVERVIEW
4. Regional: Excessive rainfall has affected the southern and central regions of southern and central Angola, northern Namibia, most of Zambia, southwest Madagascar, northern Mozambique, northern and southern Malawi, and northern Botswana. Massive destruction and displacement has occurred in Angola and Namibia.
5. The forecast for March-May is normal to abovenormal rainfall for most of the region, particularly northern Mozambique, Zambia, Angola and northern Namibia. The persistent warmer than-normal sea surface temperatures over the equatorial and southwest Indian Ocean are the cause of the very heavy rainfall currently experienced by the region. These conditions are conducive to the formation of tropical disturbances like cyclones, and flash flooding could continue to occur across the region.
6. Angola: Since the beginning of 2009, excessive rainfall has affected the southern and central regions.Twenty-one people have died and an estimated 200,000 affected by floods in the provinces of Cunene, Kuando Kubango, Moxico, Malange, Bie, Huambo and Lunda Sul. The number is likely to increase once assessment teams are able reach areas made inaccessible by the floods. In some instances, military air and boat rescue have been required to evacuate the worst affected and isolated areas. There are also reports of extreme flooding of the Kavango, Zambezi and Chobe Rivers, which are of concern and require monitoring.
7. The Commission of Civil Protection reports that a large number of people have lost their houses. Schools and other public buildings are being used as shelters, resulting in the interruption of classes. Furthermore, more than 100 schools have been destroyed, according to the Angolan Red Cross. Relocation camps have been established in Ongiva in Cunene provinces. Alternative classroom arrangements are a priority to ensure children do not miss schooling.