OCHA Situation Report No. 2
Comoros: Karthala Volcanic Eruption
21 April 2005


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

1. Situation

The activity of the Karthala Volcano has stabilised from Monday 18
April. A team of two specialists from La Reunion (France) made an
overflight of the crater on Tuesday 19, which indicated that the lake of
lava in the central crater of the volcano had receded, and that the lava
was in the process of cooling down. Seismographic data collected by the
National Documentation and Scientific Research Centre (CNDRS) has shown
a reduction of the seismic activity.

The CNDRS has undertaken a field assessment on the volcano on Wednesday
20 April with support from the French specialists. The results from this
assessment have yet to be released.

As of Wednesday 20 April, the majority of the populations who had fled
from their villages during the weekend were reported to have returned to
their homes, with some exceptions.

The CNDRS and the French specialists have warned that the reduction of
activity of the volcano does not mean that the eruption is over and that
the situation may change rapidly. The authorities remain on alert.

2. Immediate needs

Concerns exist regarding the availability of potable water in the areas,
which were exposed to smoke and ashes. According to the authorities, as
many as 38,000 persons living in 36 villages may be affected by the
contamination of water tanks. No report of increased morbidity due to
consumption of contaminated water has been received so far.

According to a joint assessment made by UNDP and UNICEF on Tuesday 19,
food is not a major concern and no major health issues have arisen.

3. Response

The authorities are planning to distribute potable water in the areas
affected by water contamination. In the meantime, water is being tested
with the support of UNICEF, which will facilitate the sending of samples
to Madagascar, where facilities for both bacteriological and chemical
analysis are available.

UNICEF distributed two health kits to Oichili and Mbeni health centres,
in the centre and northeastern regions respectively, to help routine
services cope with the needs of the displaced populations. It also
delivered two tons of rice in the area of Oichili for distribution to
families who are still hosting IDPs.

The Comoros Red Crescent Society participates in the coordination task
forces set up by the authorities, and monitor the situation very
closely. It is in regular contact with the French Red Cross Society in
La Reunion, which will provide backup support through the Regional
Intervention Platform for the Indian Ocean (PIROI), should it be
required.

4. Coordination

Disaster response coordination falls under responsibility of the
Ministry of Defence and Territorial Security, which manages relief
operations through a Central Command Post. International support is
coordinated by the UN Resident Coordinator. The OCHA Regional Office is
maintaining regular contact with the Resident Coordinator in order to
determine additional coordination support needs.

5. Contact

Ms. Giuseppina Mazza, UN Resident Coordinator: + 269 73 10 25

Mr. Chris Kaye, OCHA Regional Office for Southern Africa: + 27 11 517
1609

This situation report, together with further information on ongoing
emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at
http://www.reliefweb.int

Telephone: +41-22-917 12 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:
   Ms. Noel Tsekouras
     direct Tel. +41-22-917 1587
   Mr. Michel N. Kassa
     direct Tel. +41-22-917 2163

Press contact:
   GVA - Ms. Elizabeth Byrs direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53
   NYC - Ms. Stephanie Bunker direct Tel. +1-917-367 5126

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