OCHA Situation Report
Somalia: Floods
22 November 2006


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Main Developments

WHO and MSF-H have confirmed the presence of cholera in Jilib and 
Marare. MSF-H predicts that it has adequate supplies and personnel on 
the ground in the two districts to contain the outbreak. WHO (which has 
also moved some cholera supplies to the area through Muslim Aid-UK), 
UNICEF and other partners also believe there are adequate supplies to 
respond in case of a larger outbreak.

It is currently estimated that in the Shabelle riverine area 190,000 
people have so far been displaced (Hiran: 94,000, M/Shabelle: 66,000; 
L/Shabelle: 27,000), figures that already slightly exceed the five-year 
flood return cycle figures of 175,000. This figure does not include 22 
November estimates from Afghow. FSAU compiled all reports from FEWSNET, 
OCHA and its own office to arrive at this figure. FSAU is undertaking a 
similar analysis for the Jubas; results will be circulated in the coming 
days and both analyses will be updated on a daily basis, information 
permitting.

A five-hour radio programme on 21 November organized by HornAfrik and 
SIMAD has raised $300,000 for floodaffected people through phone calls 
from the diaspora and Somalis in the country, including children. 
HornAfrik has been supported by UNDP to expand its coverage through 
satellite both to the diaspora and throughout Somalia. The forecast for 
the coming days is for light to no rains in the Ethiopian highlands and 
Shabelle catchment in Somalia but for heavy rains in Lower Juba. The 
river levels at Beletweyne and Bulo Burti are expected to stabilise 
towards the end of the week. There remains high risk of flooding along 
both rivers, especially in Jilib (Middle Juba) and Jamame (Lower Juba).

Developments Along the Juba River

Jilib - OCHA field reports state that Gomaleh village (next to Jilib 
town) is flooded, as well as Kandanda village, and all villagers from 
the latter displaced. In Jilib Town, floods are reported very close to 
the MSF-H compound/warehouse; staff may need to relocate if flooding 
continues. Jamame - The last depression in Bilaq village is full with no 
sign of water declining. With the current situation in Jamame, water 
will soon start flowing to other surrounding villages, resulting in 
further displacement. UNICEF's second boat arrived in Jamame from 
Mogadishu on 21 November.

Afmadow - AFREC reports increased fears of contaminated water and 
outbreaks of water-borne diseases, as water sources in the town are 
limited, and the Lak-dhera stream may soon become blocked. Malaria and 
diarrheaare reported in the area as well as a lack of medicine in stock.

Developments Along the Shabelle River

Middle Shabelle - The dam in Balad has completely collapsed, which is 
expected to result in serious flooding in Afghow and Kurtunwarey. Lower 
Shabelle - Afghow village reported a new river breakage, with river 
overflow in the villages of Gaywarow and Bariire.

Coordination and Meetings

- 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 or 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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