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Namibia: Floods (MDRNA007) DREF Operation Final Report

Países
Namibia
Fuentes
IFRC
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Summary: CHF 282,917 was allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 16 March 2013 to support the Namibia Red Cross Society (NRCS) in delivering immediate assistance to some 2,500 families (11,000 beneficiaries) affected by flood in the north-east of the country.

This report covers the overall flood operation, focusing on the results and impact on 2,500 families assisted with relief distribution of non-food items, shelter, water and sanitation, and emergency health. The DREF reached 10,278 beneficiaries out of the 11,000 proposed beneficiaries. With support of non-food items, shelter, water and sanitation, and emergency health, the beneficiaries were able to stay in government-provided camps for four months. Beneficiaries and stakeholders expressed appreciation for Red Cross support, recognising that the reduced number of flood- related deaths may be due to this support. With the support from Red Cross, the camps were more organised and the displaced persons were better able to manage the camps. There were less health-related issues reported in the camps as the beneficiaries were provided with emergency shelter, water and sanitation, and emergency health. These provisions included 2,106 blankets, 2,328 mosquito nets, 2,102 containers, 157,290 water purification sachets, 590 jerry cans, 977 hygiene kits, 7,728 soaps, 120 emergency pit-latrines, and 30 tents which were from Red Cross.

While awaiting the tarpaulins, which were delayed due to logistical challenges, NRCS provided plastic sheeting as an alternative shelter solution. In addition to receiving non-food items, beneficiaries were trained in hygiene promotion for improved health in the camps, complemented by the construction of 120 emergency pit-latrines. The government assistance included food items, water and transportation. NRCS was involved in discussions with the regional council and Regional Disaster Risk Management Committees to clarify roles and responsibilities; this was also communicated to the affected communities.

The declaration of Namibia drought in May 2013 and NRCS’s response to this separate disaster in June 2013 has impacted on this flood response. The simultaneous disasters stretched resources at NRCS headquarters, however the branch staff and volunteers worked hard to ensure the operation progressed. The operation contributed to the capacity building of NRCS by providing refresher training to 70 volunteers on hygiene promotion and health education and demonstrations on proper utilization of mosquito nets. In addition to 70 volunteers trained on disease prevention, NRCS trained 30 volunteers in PHAST methodology and gender-based violence and 60 volunteers and community members in constructing emergency latrines. During a review of this DREF operation, held in July, the review team conducted a participative workshop for NRCS staff to enhance the understanding and operational aspects of DREF operations. A report from the review was produced, together with recommendations to improve preparedness and response capacities from all sides in consultation with the National Society’s leadership, partner national societies and IFRC representation.

The operation lasted for four months and was completed at the end of July, although some beneficiaries started to leave camps in mid-July 2013. The final report was delayed due to outstanding working advances to be cleared with the National Society, which has been resolved since.

This DREF has seen some variances between budget and expenditure. The construction materials bought were used to reinforce the foundation of the housing structures and can therefore be reallocated to Shelter and Relief. WASH items, such as water, sanitation and hygiene promotion activities, were listed in the budget under the sections Utensils and Tools, and Other supplies and services, rather than under WASH. Road transportation and logistical services were under budgeted, as the transportation of tarpaulins from Walvis Bay port involved higher costs than was budgeted for. The costs for volunteers were unfortunately also higher than anticipated in the budget. Meanwhile, volunteer insurance was mistakenly booked under International Staff, whole monitoring costs related to two National Staff of IFRC were incorrectly booked under Consultants. Further distribution and monitoring costs were budgeted under Transport and Vehicle costs and reported against Distribution and Monitoring. Lastly, financial charges were higher than projected due to bank charges and currency losses. Overall however, there remained an unspent balance of CHF 57,307 due to underspend on Relief, Logistics and Personnel. This amount will be returned to DREF.

The Belgian Red Cross/ Belgian government, Canadian Red Cross/ Canadian government as well as European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (DG ECHO) contributed to the replenishment of the DREF allocation made for this operation. The major donors and partners of DREF include the Australian, American and Belgian governments, the Austrian Red Cross, the Canadian Red Cross and government, Danish Red Cross and government, DG ECHO, the Irish and the Italian governments, the Japanese Red Cross Society, the Luxembourg government, the Monaco Red Cross and government, the Netherlands Red Cross and government, the Norwegian Red Cross and government, the Spanish Government, the Swedish Red Cross and government, the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), the Medtronic and Z Zurich Foundations, and other corporate and private donors. The IFRC, on behalf of the National Society, would like to extend thanks to all for their generous contributions. Details of DREF contributions are found on: http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/Active/MDR00001.pdf On behalf of the Namibia Red Cross Society, IFRC would like to sincerely thank all partners for their generous contributions and support to this operation and DREF.