OCHA Situation Report No. 6
Ethiopia's Somali Region: Floods
24 November 2006


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Main Developments

According to new FSAU estimates, the number of people displaced in 
Middle Juba have already reached a ten-year cycle. FSAU reports that the 
total number displace from the Juba riverine area is estimated at 
146,000 (Gedo: 36,000; Middle Juba: 100,000; Lower Juba: 10,000) These 
figures for Juba add to yesterday's estimated displacement of 190,000 
from the Shabelle riverine area (Hiran: 94,000, M/Shabelle: 66,000; 
L/Shabelle: 27,000), which already exceed the five-year flood return 
cycle figures of 175,000. FSAU will continue to compile all reports from 
FEWSNET, OCHA and its own office to update displacement figures on a 
daily basis, information permitting.

A rough aerial survey was conducted on 22 November with technical staff 
from FAO and UNICEF. It was reported that the Shabelle levels are 
showing recession while widespread flooding and high river levels were 
seen in the Jubas. Although Shabelle levels have dropped generally, 
renewed heavy rains in the Ethiopian highlands could lead to 
deterioration. The worst-case scenario of flooding of both rivers 
remains a possibility.

A multi-agency assessment of riverine areas of Jilib and Jamame 
(Middle/Lower Juba) will take place from 25 - 27 November. Locations of 
IDPs will be identified and needs of the flood-affected communities 
prioritized for response.

ICRC started airlifting tarpaulins on 22 November to 324,000 people in 
some of the worst affected areas in the Juba, Gedo and Hiran regions as 
well as in Middle and Lower Shabelle. In the upcoming weeks, ICRC plans 
to distribute seeds to the same people. ICRC has also started a water 
trucking programme in Beletweyne.

The TFG has formed an Emergency Flood Committee.

Developments Along the Juba River

Jilib - Reports show river levels decreasing from Malenda with large 
amounts of water draining back into the river. The depressions are still 
full and the entire area is still flooded. Water continues to overflow 
into riverine areas of Jilib, Marerey, Jamame and Kamsuma. The entire 
village of Jalalijai is reported displaced and relocated to Bandirjabiid 
& Yiirey. The area is flooded and water is flowing back into the river. 
Grazing lands are flooded and livestock driven from Jalalijai to dryer 
areas on east bank and south Jamame. Very heavy rains continue in Jilib. 
There are also reports of increases in the number of diarrhea cases, 
especially among the under 5 children.

Jamame - All villages in Jamame are still flooded and very heavy rains 
are continuing.

Afmadow - The entire village (700 people) of Tabta (75 km from Dobley) 
is reported displaced to a small mountain 2- 3 km away. According to a 
report from WRRS, this village has not received WFP food rations as the 
convoy is stuck between Kokaney and Afmadow.

Developments Along the Shabelle River

Hiran - 20,000 ITNs are being sent by the Global Fund (GF) for malaria 
to Beletweyne. A GF Malaria Coordinator will go to Beletweyne to provide 
technical assistance.

Coordination and Meetings

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.

http://www.faoswalim.org/viewpage.php?PageID=bf88c2a7f49ef5e5d35f474df4464d25


http://unosat.web.cern.ch/unosat/asp/prod_free.asp?id=28

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 and Molly McCloskey 
mccloskeym@un.org

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