OCHA Situation Report No. 1 Argentina - Floods 24 May 2000
Background - The climate varies from a humid sub-tropical climate in the north with the central semi-arid Pampa ranging from a tropical to a moderately cool climate. - The southern area of the country is sub-arctic and is directly influenced by the prevailing westerlies. Rainfall diminishes from east to west with snow rarely falling. - The country was affected by floods, several times in the 1990's, particularly in 93, 94, 98. Disaster Situation - In mid-May, winds reached a speed of 100 km/h causing heavy rainfall: the city of Buenos Aires was hit by rainfall of 345.2 mm (average for month of May is 74.2 mm). - The city of Parana was hit by rainfall of 1,075 mm (annual average is 994 mm). Affected Area - City of Buenos Aires, Provinces of Buenos Aires, La Pampa (northern part), Parana, La Curdoba (some areas), Entre Rios (city of Paran). Population Affected/Damage - Four dead, 40 injured; some 30,000 evacuated ; 136,000 families without electricity. - Roads blocked ( 85 per cent of road network impassable in the province of Entre Rios). Request for international assistance - The government of Argentina has not requested international relief National response - The Federal Emergency System has been activated to coordinate relief efforts. Telephone: +41-22-917 1234 Fax: +41-22-9170023 In case of emergency: Tel. +41-22-9172010 Desk Officers: Mr. Erik Haegglund/Mr. Carlos Pereira/Ms. Masayo Kondo direct tel: +41-22-917 32 99/13 83/19 97 Press contact: Mr. D. Kiniger-Passigli, direct tel. +41-22-917 26 53 Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int distributed by - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Volunteers in Technical Assistance Disaster Information Center lists: www.vita.org/listsub.htm sitreps nat-dsr web: www.vita.org fireline - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -