OCHA Situation Report No. 4
Somalia: Floods
20 November 2006


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

In Lower/Middle Juba, Buale, Jilib, Jamame, Dobley, Afmadow and Marere
remain heavily flooded, while the situation in Lower/Middle Shabelle so
far remains relatively stable, compared to the deterioration
anticipated. WFP undertook today (21 Nov) an aerial survey of the Jubas.
Following a CERF contribution of US$2.8 million, the agency has capacity
to do ad hoc flights if it receives requests and cargo. The extent and
required cargo capacity on planes is so far uncertain due to the lack of
consolidated lists of NFIs. Meanwhile, WFP trucks remain stranded in
Afmadow and near Mogambo due to flooded roads and broken bridges. A mine
action NGO has reported that mines being dislodged by flooding should
not be of major concern, as movement of mines is not (contrary to
conventional wisdom) significant during floods. However, areas of
concern do exist, namely Jowhar and the border near Beletweyne, and
humanitarian agencies operational in the regions are advise to get local
information on the possible presence of mines and UXO, avoid using
long-abandoned roads and avoid places where obvious washout of soil from
questionable areas may exist, eg, streambeds or where roads are covered
by soil or debris. The Emergency Relief and Flood Committee in Mogadishu
has appealed in a communique to all UN agencies, INGOs, NGOs and donors
to intervene urgently with humanitarian assistance and has promised its
'full cooperation'.

An assessment of Jilib (West Bank) was completed by AFREC, and FSAU has
shared informal field observations from the Jubas based on reports from
analysts in Afmadow and Hagar; details of both of these reports are
below.

Developments along the Juba River

Middle Juba

Jilib - Fourteen villages west of Jilib district are now estimated to be
totally displaced. The remaining 58 villages are partially flooded. FSAU
unofficial estimated total 11,000hh of riverine Jilib district are
affected. Ninety percent of flooding is affecting the west bank region.
Fears are rising over a possible disease outbreak as suspected cases of
Cholera/dysentery have been reported. MSF-H is awaiting specimen results
from Nairobi before confirming cholera presence in Jilib. Increase in
cases of diarrhea in Jilib is a major concern. There are reported
worrying food shortages as roads from Kismayo are impassable. Barrages
and other forms of water containment are reportedly threatening to
burst. OCHA field reports indicate a decline in water level, especially
in the north of Jilib, with huge amount of water draining back into the
river. AFREC has launched chlorination activities to some water points
along west bank of Jilib.

Lower Juba

Afmadow/Hagar - Flooding and heavy rainfall. All roads reported
impassable, except by tractors and donkey-carts. There are fears of
evacuation from Afmadow town. FSAU unofficial estimated total
displacement from Hagar district is 2000hh. Oxfam has confirmed 3 deaths
(children) in Afmadow due to diarrhea. Horn Relief is working on
chlorination in 3 villages. AFREC hopes to get a consolidated report
from the Afmadow/Hagar region, which it will share with the Flood
Working Group (24 Nov).

Dobley - WRRS has reported that most of the rural areas around Dobley
are flooded. WFP has provided food assistance in Dobley town but has
been unable to access surrounding villages.

Jamame - All basins of Mallayley, Borini, Marashoy, Bulo Mamo, Kamsuma,
Yontoi, Makalango and Mugambo are flooded and flood water has reached
the coastal sand dune area. UNICEF is working with Juba Shine and other
partners in Jamame (and with WVI in Buale) in chlorination and hygiene
promotion, and is seeking more partners in Middle/Lower Juba, especially
for water and sanitation projects.

The FSAU unofficial estimates of displaced populations are 8000hh in
Buale, 2000hh in Salagle, and 3000hh in Sakow. In Salagle and Sakow, it
is estimated that all Gu off-season crops have been destroyed. All three
districts also report significant loss of Deyr crops.

Coordination and Meetings

- Wednesday 22 Nov, 10.30 at UNICEF annex conference room (not at ICRC)
- Watson cluster

- Thursday 23 Nov, 2.30 at SSS - Health cluster

- Thursday 23 Nov, 3.00 at CARE office - Food Aid cluster

  - Friday 24 Nov, 10.30 at OCHA - Flood Working Group

All partners operational in flood-affected regions are encouraged to
access on-line SWALIM and UNOSAT maps and to print these maps as needed
for distribution in the field.

For further information, contact:

Molly McCloskey Rita Maingi at +254 (20) 375 4150-5

Agencies and partners are encouraged to send updates and information
from field reports to:

Matthew Olins olins@un.org
Molly McCloskey mccloskeym@un.org

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