ReliefWeb

Summary: This 6 months summary update covers the actions on part of Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) supported by IFRC in response to the tropical cyclone disaster that hit eastern coastal parts of the Puntland State of Somalia on 10 November 2013. Heavy rainfall and flash floods followed the tropical cyclone and caused loss of human lives and the destruction of assets including livestock and fishing boats, destroying numerous settlements, service centres, roads, schools, communications and electrical installations. The most affected areas included Dangorayo, Bandar Beyla, Garowe and Eyl districts. Other areas affected include the coastal villages in Bari region including Hafun, Iskushuban, Bargal, Qandala and Alula districts.

The Government of Puntland declared a state of emergency on 11 November 2013, prompting international assistance of various forms from United Nations (UN) agencies and humanitarian organizations.

Through the support of the IFRC Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF),CHF 67,841 was initially allocated on 18 November 2013 to support Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) undertake a detailed assessment in the affected areas in Nugaal and Bari regions. The assessment estimated that overall 142,380 persons were affected by the disasters, with 8,523 households being worst hit and 1,435 households having lost all their livestock. At the onset of the disaster, SRCS branches in Bari and Nugaal regions deployed four mobile health teams (2 in Nugaal and 2 in Bari regions) to respond to the emergency health needs of the people in the affected areas. Each team, comprised of 6 staff members, reached most of the villages and nomadic settlements affected by the disaster. By end of April 2014, a total of 15,598 people received treatment provided by the 4 mobile health teams. The most common ailments noted include, diarrhoea, skin diseases, malaria and acute respiratory infections. Vaccination for Measles and Pentavalent (this includes, Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, haemophilia, influenza and Hepatitis B) was given to a total of 404 children. Up to 600 Mosquito nets were distributed by SRCS Garowe branch in Nugaal region with each household receiving 2 pieces.

Hygiene awareness campaigns on prevention of diarrhoea were undertaken by the mobile and static clinics health teams reaching 600 households or 4,200 people in Nugaal and Bari region.

In November and December 2013, SRCS Garowe branch distributed NFIs to 300 households in 5 districts in Nugaal region. The NFIs comprised of kitchen sets, mosquito nets, blankets, tarpaulins, sleeping mats and jerry cans were airlifted from Nairobi from the Regional Emergency Stock. Two other consignments of NFIs from Finnish Red Cross were also received by SRCS Bosaso branch. The first consignment included, 3,072 boxes of kitchen sets, 2,240 blankets and 3,980 buckets arrived on 14 April 2014 while the second consignment arrived on 20 May 2014 and contained 1,228 boxes of kitchen sets and 2,520 blankets. The SRCS team with the support of the IFRC team organized for transport and storage of the NFIs. The NFIs were distributed to 1,400 families in Bari and 300 families in Nugal region. Hygiene awareness campaigns on prevention of diarrhoea were undertaken by the mobile and static clinics health teams reaching 600 households or 4,200 people in Nugal and Bari region.

Rehabilitation of three water sources which include 3 shallow wells, a water pipe extension system and installation of a solar system is being undertaken in Bari region. Once completed about 1,500 people are expected to benefit from clean drinking water and for domestic use. This will reduce tremendously the time utilized by women and girls every day in search of the precious commodity. In May 2014, 193 SRCS volunteers and 8 staff the SRCS branches distributed food packages to 2,625 families (2,325 in Bari and 300 in Nugaal region). The food packages include 50 kg of rice, 25 kg of wheat flour, 10 litres of cooking oil and 25 kg of beans per family. The SRCS branches mobilized 8 staff and 193 volunteers to carry out the distribution. A total of 23 SRCS Staff and volunteers from Garowe and Bosaso branches were trained in assessment methodology, followed by a week’s detailed assessment exercise conducted in 9 districts across the Nugal and Bari regions. The assessment covered all sectors. Secondary and primary data collected was analysed by SRCS assessment team leaders with the support of IFRC technical staff.

A DREF update was issued on 11 December 2013 to provide an update on the progress of the operation utilising the allocated DREF funds. Additionally operations update n°1 and n°2 were issued on 15 January, 2014 and 13 February 2014 respectively to update on the progress of the operation, coordination efforts around the response operation as well as inform on the donor interest and support to the appeal.

Due to the low funding of the emergency appeal which currently stands at only 36 percent of the total needs, most of the planned activities will not be implemented. As a result therefore, a review of the activities, targeted beneficiaries and budget is currently underway and a revised emergency appeal will be published in the coming days.

The major donors and partners of this appeal includes the China Red Cross-Hong Kong branch, Finnish Red Cross Canadian Red Cross and Canadian Government, Japanese Red Cross, Netherlands Red Cross , Red Cross of Monaco, German Red Cross, Red Crescent Society of Islamic Republic of Iran and VERF/WHO Voluntary Emergency Relief.

On behalf of the Somali Red Crescent Society, IFRC would like to sincerely thank all partners for their generous contributions and support to this Emergency Appeal.