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Floods in central and southern provinces of Mozambique
Geneva, 25 January 2013
1. Brief description of the emergency and impact
Due to heavy rains in Mozambique and neighbouring countries, the central and southern regions of Mozambique are now in an emergency flooding situation. Communities which are currently affected are those along the major rivers of: Inhanombe, Mutamba, Messalo, Licungo, Púnguè, Zambezi, Buzi, and Tambara in the central provinces of Zambézia, Sofala, Tete and Manica; and those on the banks of Save, Limpopo and Incomati rivers in the southern provinces of Inhambane, Gaza and Maputo. More heavy rains in Southern African countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa are increasing the crisis of flooding in Mozambique. It is estimated that as of today (25/01/) 200,000 people country wide are directly affected. Out of that number 70,000 displaced people are from Chokwe and are housed at the accommodation centre in Chihaquelane.
2. Why is an ACT response needed?
People are displaced and are accommodated in temporary resettlement centres where water and sanitation is poor. The government has issued a warning on threats to outbreaks of cholera, malaria and other diseases. To minimize the impact, immediate needs consist of water and sanitation, mosquito nets, tents plastic sheeting and survival kits. ACT members LWF, CEDES and the Christian Council of Mozambique are working in most of the affected areas.
3. National and international response
At national level the government is coordinating logistics, planning and social action. Under the UN cluster system logistics, communications (ICT), food security, water and sanitation, and child protection are the focus. A Consolidated Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) appeal proposal has been prepared and humanitarian goods, equipment and personnel are starting to arrive in the country.
4. ACT Alliance response
Two meetings by Mozambique ACT Alliance members have agreed on the need to issue an alert to be followed by an appeal as part of ACT members’ response. An assessment team is being put in place and will start their work immediately.
5. Planned activities
The main activities will include: addressing food security, providing seeds, agriculture tools, WASH and shelter. There are no funds available, and the requested amount for intervention will be about USD 1,200,000.00 An ACT appeal for funding will be forthcoming.
The mains constraints are inaccessibility of project areas due to inaccessibility of roads, and other means of transport as well as lack of skilled staff in emergency response.
Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jean-Daniel Birmele, Director of Finance (email@example.com).