Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Floods, 03-30-2011
Between December 2010 and March 2011, heavy and persistent rainfall resulted in flooding in Namibia’s northern and northeastern regions of Caprivi, Kavango, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, and Oshikoto. As of March 30, flooding had resulted in 62 deaths, displaced at least 8,000 people, and affected approximately 300,000 people in total, according to the Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN). Assessments by the GRN, Namibian Red Cross Society (NRCS), and USAID/Namibia indicated that flooding resulted in extensive damage to roads, bridges, schools, clinics, and housing. The NRCS reported disruptions to health care due to flooded clinics and expressed concern regarding overflowing sewage systems in some flood-affected communities. In addition, flooding destroyed much of the sorghum crop and significant food reserves in affected areas for the third year in a row, potentially resulting in food shortages. The GRN declared a disaster on March 29 and requested international assistance. In addition, the GRN authorized $4.2 million for flood relief, evacuated people in low-lying communities, and provided food and emergency housing to affected populations.
On March 30, U.S. Ambassador Wanda L. Nesbitt declared a disaster due to the effects of the floods. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/Namibia to the NRCS for emergency relief assistance. USAID/Namibia staff visited affected regions in February and March and continued to monitor the situation. USAID/OFDA staff in Pretoria, South Africa, and Washington, D.C., continued to monitor humanitarian needs in coordination with USAID/Namibia, USAID’s Office of Food for Peace, and the U.S. Embassy in Windhoek.
Additional Disaster Declaration:
Floods, 03-18-2009
Beginning in January 2009, heavy rains in northern and northeastern Namibia, exacerbated by rainfall in southern Angola and Zambia, led to flooding in the Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana, Ohshikto, Kavango, and Caprivi regions. The Government of the Republic of Namibia’s (GRN) Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate reported that the flooding has killed approximately 92 people, displaced at least 12,000 others, and affected an estimated 300,000 individuals. However, damage to roads and bridges hindered the GRN’s assessment of many affected areas. The GRN also reported extensive damage to houses, schools, and health clinics in areas surveyed. In addition, for the second consecutive year the floods affected standing crops and food reserves. On March 17, the GRN declared an emergency in the affected areas and requested international assistance.
On March 18, U.S. Ambassador Gail D. Mathieu declared a disaster for Namibia due to the flooding. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/Namibia to the Namibian Red Cross Society to support emergency relief efforts such as the provision of relief commodities and water, sanitation, and hygiene support. From March 10 to 14, a USAID/OFDA regional advisor conducted an assessment with USAID/Namibia staff to identify humanitarian needs and affected populations.
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