OCHA Situation Report No. 5
Sudan - Floods
13 September 2001


UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Oshima returns from a mission to the Sudan

This report is based on information provided by the Government of Sudan
(GoS) and the OCHA office in Sudan.


Situation

1.  The effects of massive flash floods and the River Nile's rising waters
are emerging more clearly in the 10 affected States as floodwaters in
northern and eastern Sudan recede. However, authorities fear that floods
may re-inundate areas from which waters have now receded (Shinja and Wad
Madani, respectively 760 km and 150 km of Khartoum).

2.  Some 97,000 people are adversely affected by floods and in urgent need
of assistance. Most severely affected States are River Nile, Kassala,
South Darfur and Sennar.

3.  Floods also affected the southern State of Bahr al-Jebel due to the
White Nile's seasonal rising waters. The last assessment carried out by
the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) and NGOs showed important movements
of population and damages. Out of the population assessed (16,088 people
in Gondokoro and Mongalla), 5,363 persons are reported seriously affected.

4.  The health situation continues to deteriorate, affecting the displaced
families. Many cases of water-born disease such as scabies, malaria,
pneumonia, cough, rheumatism, diarrhoea were reported in flooded areas.


Needs

5.  Latest assessments highlight following critical material needs for the
flood-affected areas in Sudan:

  - Plastic rolls                34,211
  - Tents                         7,692
  - Water pumps                      90
  - Wells                            90
  - Insecticide (spray / tons)    1,500 / 20
  - Latrines                     18,200
  - Medicine                            /
  - Jerry cans                   10,500
  - Pillow / Pall tanks              55 / 39
  - Water purification units          3
  - Emergency water kits          5,000
  - Seeds (tons)                     11



National and international response

6.  The GoS is closely monitoring affected areas to respond to the
situation promptly, particularly for health and sanitation issues. Local
authorities of the affected areas mobilised resources and evacuated the
needy population to supply areas. The military authorities are providing
limited health services in several States.

7.  The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Under Secretary-General Mr. Kenzo
Oshima visited Sudan from 09 to 12 September inter-alia to assess relief
efforts for thousands of Sudanese affected by floods. In that connection,
the Emergency Relief Coordinator announced that OCHA will make available
USD 100,000 for relief assistance from OCHA Emergency Grants (USD 40,000)
and Grants Reserve from Norway and Denmark (USD 30,000 each).

8.  In addition, OCHA Logistic Supporting Unit (LSU), together with the
Governments of Italy and Norway, is organising a relief flight from the
WFP-United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot in Brindisi, Italy (about
24 tons for a value of USD 158,639). The cargo comprises jerrycans, pillow
tanks, palltanks, water purification units, tents for warm climate,
plastic rolls, latrines, hoes, soap bars and motor pumps. The flight is
scheduled to arrive today, Thursday 13 September 2001. UNICEF Khartoum
will receive the shipment.


Contributions

9.  Contributions reported to OCHA as of 13 September are of USD 522,030.
The Government of Kuwait has dispatched two cargo aircraft with tents,
blankets, medical supplies and food for the victims of Sudan floods
(approx. value of USD 366,013).

10.  OCHA is prepared to serve as a channel for cash contributions to be
used for immediate relief assistance, in coordination/consultation with
relevant organizations in the United Nations system. Funds should be
transferred to UNOG General Fund No. 001-1-508629, ABA Code 021000021 (US
Banking Code) at the Chase Manhattan Bank in New York, with the reference:
OCHA ? Sudan ? Floods 2001. OCHA provides donors with written confirmation
and pertinent details concerning the utilization of the funds contributed.

11.  For coordination purposes, donors are requested to inform OCHA
Geneva, as indicated below, on relief missions/pledges/contributions and
their corresponding values by item.

12.  OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the UN Resident and
Humanitarian Coordinator in the Sudan and will revert with further
information, as it becomes available.

13.  This situation report, together with further information on ongoing
emergencies, is 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:
  Mr. Thierry Delbreuve / Mr. Max Bonnel
  Direct Tel. +41-22-917 1638 / 1457

Press contact:
  (GVA)  Ms. Elizabeth Byrs direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 56
  (NYC)  Ms. Phyllis Lee, direct Tel. +1-212-963 48 32


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