OCHA Situation Report No. 2
Zimbabwe - Floods
12 March 2001


Situation

1.  Heavy rains and floods continue over large parts of Zimbabwe,
affecting more than 30,000 people. The Northeast has suffered the worst to
date (Mashonaland Central), due to its proximity to the major river
systems of the Zambezi and its tributaries and the back flow from Caborra
Bassa dam in Mozambique. The floods also hit the North Matebeleland.
Central and southern provinces of Midlands, Masvingo, Matebeleland South
and Manicaland are also experiencing floods which, after recent droughts,
are leading to a preoccupying food shortage situation.

2.  In the Mashonaland Central Province, the worst hit districts to date
are Centenary and Guruve.

3.  Centenary district: An estimated 15,000 people were left homeless. It
is estimated that 11,000 people will be in need of assistance, mainly
food, at Chankera and Dambakurima. Granaries and crops were particularly
hit by floods as well as the road network.

4.  Guruve district: About 527 household with a population of 3,000 have
been affected. Various damages on crops were reported: 311 acres of cotton
and 401 acres of maize crop lost.

5.  In the Matebeleland North province, the main river Gwayi, tributary of
the Zambezi, burst its banks and washed away homes, fields and roads in
the Sipepa communal lands affecting an estimated community of 5,000.


Response

6.  Assessments are ongoing. A clearer picture of the overall situation is
expected within a week. The Government has appealed for the following
emergency assistance for 30,000 people for a total of USD 2.34 million:

-  Food supply

- Mealy meal, cooking oil, sugar beans/nuts/salt for three months 1.63
  million
-  Relief items
-  Shelter                                                    Not costed
-  Blankets: 60,000
-  Cooking utensils
-  Washing/bath soap
-  Reconstruction of homesteads
-  3,000 homes to be reconstructed 43,636
-  Road network repairs
-  Estimated cost for state roads in Manicaland, Masvingo and Mash
   Central: 667,298


7.  This Situation Report and further information on ongoing emergencies
are also available on the OCHA Internet Website at:
http://www.reliefweb.int.


Telephone: +41-22-91712 34                  
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In  case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers (OCHA Disaster Response Branch):
Mr. K. Wiersing / Ms. Y. Sawada / Mr. M. Bonnel
direct Tel. +41 22 917 2270/1768/1457

Press contact:  Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli, direct Tel. +41-22-91726 53


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