OCHA Situation Report No. 2
Democratic Republic of Congo - Tornado in North Kivu
17 March 2006


SITUATION

1. On the morning of Wednesday, 8 March a tornado like storm ravaged
Oicha, north of Beni in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo,
causing considerable damage to Oicha and its surrounding areas. The area
is already host to several IDP sites.

2. In all 75,000 people (including 58,000 IDPs) have been affected by
the destruction of the storm. Revised figures confirm 3 deaths and 66
wounded, including 3 still in intensive care.

3. According to the evaluation mission of local authorities more than
1000 houses, 39 schools, 15 churches, 62 commercial buildings and 6 IDP
camps were partially to seriously damaged in the Oicha-Eringeti region.
Approximately 1/3 of the Oicha's buildings were damaged or destroyed.
The roofs of several health centers and Oicha's hospital have been
damaged. Considerable stocks of medicines valued at approximately US$
5,320 has been lost. In the whole Oicha region more than 30 schools were
either completely destroyed or seriously damaged. Children are currently
not attending school.

4. The structural damage to IDP sites is considerable. According to the
Programme de Promotion de Soins de Sante Primaire (PPSSP) final
assessments on 15 March:

Health Centers: 44 latrines and shower rooms damaged

IDP sites: 3,611 shelters and 240 latrines and shower boxes damaged

Local populations:

- 2745 houses were damaged including 947 entirely destroyed
- 4953 children under 5 years old need clothes.

Schools: 135 latrines of schools are damaged and school warehouses
including WFP food supplies for a school feeding programme were among
the property destroyed.


RESPONSE

5. A coordination meeting was held on 15 March in Beni, participants
included OCHA/Beni, MONUC-CAS, NRC, Oxfam, PPSSP. OCHA urged all
participants to complete their assessments. Evaluation of schools will
begin 20 March by NRC, and UNICEF and WVI has already informed that they
wait for the response from their donors for the rehabilitation of 10
schools.

6. Solidarites will begin distributing plastic sheeting to 508 families
on 17 March to the most vulnerable in the affected area. This action
will be pursued with additional plastic sheeting (up to 1700 articles).
No details received yet as to how many beneficiaries the distribution
will be extended. There is not enough material in Beni to meet the needs
of all the affected population and so priority has been given to the
most vulnerable. NRC is distributing WFP food to 2,400 new IDPs.

7. PPSSP has submitted a proposal to OXFAM for rehabilitation of all
latrines and shower boxes in health centers and schools.

8. DRC President Kabila has sent US$ 50,000 to the affected area.
According to Administrator of the Territory, 60 % will be used for the
rehabilitation of schools, and 40% for the rehabilitation of OICHA
hospital and health centers. This amount appears insufficient to
rehabilitate school infrastructures.

9. The Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) managed by OCHA and UNICEF has
made available an amount of US$ 25,000 for the immediate procurement and
distribution of relief items through their implementing partner
Solidarites.


REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE

10. The most critical needs include rehabilitation of houses, latrines,
schools and state buildings, emergency shelter. However, it must be
noted that the reconstruction by the population has quickly started with
the local means available.

11. Sanitation needs are urgent as nonexistent or inadequate drainage
systems imply a serious threat of epidemics during this rainy season, to
avoid this action must be taken immediately.

12. Replenishment of the RRM grant (US$25,000) is sought to enable the
immediate procurement and distribution of relief items for future
emergencies


Contact

- Mr. Ross Mountain
   UN Humanitarian Coordinator: + 269 73 10 25
- Mr. Daniel Augstburger
   Head of Office a.i. OCHA, Kinshasa, DRC: + 243 813330146

This is the last report for this disaster unless there are unforeseen
developments.

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.Ousmane Watt
    Tel +41-22-917-2240
  Ms. Ylva Blondel
    direct Tel. +41-22-917 1587
  Ms. Ylva Blondel
    direct Tel. +41-22-917 1587Mr.

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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