OCHA Situation Report No. 14.1
Mozambique
Reporting Period: 19-24 March 2007
26 March 2007


SITUATION OVERVIEW

UPDATE ON EXPLOSIONS IN MAPUTO WEAPONS DEPOT

1. On 22 March, fire at a weapons depot, located approximately 15 
kilometers away from Maputo, caused massive explosions that were felt 
across the city.

2. Latest figures provided by the Government of Mozambique indicate that 
96 people were killed and over 400 injured.

3. Fourteen barrios in the vicinity of the weapons depot were showered 
with shrapnel as a result of the explosions.  Preliminary reports 
indicate that hundred of homes have been damaged in the residential 
areas around the weapons depot.

4. At least 58 families were left homeless when their homes were 
destroyed.

5. The Ministry of Education and Culture is reporting that 18 schools 
were affected by the explosions.  A damage assessment is planned for the 
weekend of 24 - 25 March 2007 that will determine if conditions are safe 
for children to return to these schools.

6. Preliminary reports also indicate that numerous children separated 
from their families in the confusion of the explosions are seeking 
assistance at police stations.  These children are being cared for in a 
centre from where identification and family reunification initiatives 
will be organized.

ACTIVITIES/RESPONSES

NATIONAL RESPONSE

7. National authorities are providing homeless families with tents and 
household kits provided by the Mozambican Red Cross.

8. Psycho-social support is being provided to the affected families at 
hospitals, health centres and the morgue in Maputo.

9. All Ministers as well as the Prime Minister will visit affected areas 
over the weekend of 24 - 25 March 2007 to raise awareness on the dangers 
of unexploded ordinance and guidance on what to do if these are found.

10. The Mozambican Red Cross has been asked to coordinate all private 
and bilateral offers of support for the affected people.

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE RESPONSE

11. UNDP experts are working with the Ministry of Defense on the 
identification, clearance and disarmament of unexploded ordinance that 
rained across the 14 barrios near the weapons depot.

12. A de-mining and UXO (explosive) expert has arrived in Maputo on 24 
March to provide additional technical assistance.  Support will include 
the development of strategies for safer weapons storage.

13. The Mozambique Red Cross, the Ministry of Women and Social Action 
and members of the Mozambique IASC Protection Cluster, including Save 
the Children and UNICEF, are meeting throughout the weekend to develop a 
strategy to respond to the protection needs of children affected by the 
tragedy.

14. Identification, registration and reunification of unaccompanied 
minors will be a key priority.  National and international protection 
partners are working with the Ministry of Women and Social Action and 
the Ministry of Interior to establish systems and procedures to meet the 
needs of unaccompanied minors - especially working with the Police Force 
and the Mozambique Red Cross.

15. Psychosocial support for children affected by the weapons depot 
emergency is another priority being addressed by national and 
international Protection Cluster partners.  Support to address the 
trauma of the situation will be provided at the centre sheltering 
unaccompanied children, as well as through schools when education 
activities resume.

16. Protection partners are also developing strategies for Mine Risk 
Awareness as the possible presence of unexploded ordinance poses grave 
risks for children and adults in areas near the weapons depot.  The 
strategy will include the distribution of child friendly mine awareness 
and unexploded ordinance materials in affected areas; the launch of a 
radio and television awareness raising campaign; and mine and unexploded 
ordinance education in all schools in the 14 affected barrios where 
unexploded ordinance may be found.

COORDINATION

17. The Ministry of Defense, Maputo Municipal authorities and the INGC 
are coordinating the response to the emergency; assessments are ongoing 
to assess the extent of the damage and to search for unexploded 
ordinance.

18. The Municipal Government in Maputo has activated an Emergency 
Operations Centre (COE) to coordinate the emergency response.

19. The Council on Ministers met on 23 March to discuss a response to 
the situation.

Contact Details:

In case of emergency only (OCHA Geneva): Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

UN Resident Coordinator (Mozambique) Mr. Ndolamb Ngokwey, Tel: +
258-21-485-158

OCHA Regional Office for Southern Africa (South Africa) Ms. Kelly David,
Tel: + 27-11-517-1609

OCHA R/C Mozambique Communication Team Mr. Luis Zaqueu, Tel: +
258-21-485-159

Desk Officer
  NYC - Ms. Mette Tangen, Tel: + 1-917-367-3001

Press contact:
  GVA - Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, Tel. +41-22-917 2653
  NYC - Ms. Stephanie Bunker, Tel:  +1-917-367-5126

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