UN appeals for funds for assisting flood victims in Namibia

UN appeals for funds for assisting flood victims in Namibia

2011-04-15 04:41:17 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations Country Team in Namibia on Thursday urgently appealed for funds in order to support national efforts to assist people affected by floods.

The UN team is seeking $2.3 million to assist an estimated 60,000 people who have been displaced due to the widespread flooding caused by unusually heavy rainfall since January.

"This appeal is founded upon the initial results of a joint rapid assessment led by Namibia and supported by over 50 staff from UN agencies, the Namibian Red Cross and other national and international agencies," said UN Resident Coordinator, Kari Egge.

Between 100,000 to 200,000 people had their livelihoods affected or destroyed, while 65 people died in the seven flood-affected regions in northern Namibia. Many rural areas remain inaccessible as they are completely surrounded by water and can only be reached by helicopters or boats.

The Namibia Meteorological Service predicted additional rainfall until the end of this month. The flood water levels are unlikely to recede for three to six months due to the repeated floods over the last three years.

Egge added that the response, which is led by the Namibian government, strategically targets five priority sectors: food security; health and nutrition; protection; education; water, sanitation and hygiene.

"We intend to support the government in mounting a timely, consistent and coordinated response to minimize the humanitarian consequences on the population through the provision of technical advice in key sectors, monitoring of relief activities, and provision of coordination and information management support," the UN Resident Coordinator said.

On 29 March, a state of national emergency was declared by President Hifikepunye Pohamba in response to the large-scale flooding in the north and northeast regions of Namibia. Pohamba later requested for international assistance after an aerial rapid assessment.

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