sign in sign up
<<
Home , Buzi River (Mozambique), Cahora Bassa Dam, Pungwe River, Shire River, Zambezi, Zambezi River Authority

Southern • Regional Update # 1 10 March 2010 This report was issued by the Regional Office for Southern and Eastern Africa (ROSEA). It covers the period from 01 February to 9 March 2010. The next report will be issued within the next two weeks

I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES

• Normal to above normal rains in northern and northern are causing levels to rise, forcing authorities to discharge water from Kariba in and dam in Mozambique. This, in addition to the ongoing rainfall is causing localized flooding in some areas. • The Government of Mozambique issued a Red Alert on 9 March, in response to the localized flooding in parts of the country. To date, 13,000 displaced people have been relocated to safe areas. • In Zambia, an estimated 800 families have been affected by flooding of which 150 have been relocated to temporary shelter setup by the Government. • An estimated 910 cases and 19 cholera related deaths have been reported in Zambia.

II. Regional Situation Overview Consistent with the SADC Outlook for the first quarter of the year, there has been normal to above normal rainfall across the northern half of . Northern Zambia and northern Mozambique have particularly received above normal rains. In turn, the , in Zimbabwe, is 73% full. This prompted the opening of one gate on the 9th of March 2010. Eastern and Northern Zimbabwe received heavy rains in the past two weeks leading to flash floods in some areas and to the rise, above alert levels, of the downstream in Mozambique. experienced localized flooding in Cunene, which the Government has adequately responded to. ’s Kavango River has risen significantly over the last few days to levels above the average but lower that what it was this time last year. The situation is being closely monitored by the National Hydrological Services and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT). Although river levels are at present higher or close to levels that precipitated significant flooding in previous years, current dam levels are relatively low, mitigating flooding downstream. Additionally, some surrounding have not received significant inflows from heavy rains this season. Given the overall prevailing conditions, and the near end of the rainy season, there is a low probability of further flooding that might cause significant humanitarian impact. However close monitoring is required.

Zambezi Water Levels

Water levels in the upper and middle basin running through Zambia are rising fast as a result of heavy rainfall that has been received so far. On 26 February, the (ZRA) confirmed the arrival of a high flood in the Zambezi River at Chavuma near the Angola-Zambia border, where the river level has since reached 9.09m as of 05 March compared to the highest level readings of 9.04m in 2007, 7.53m in 2008, and 9.71m in 2009 . The flow time of floods from Chavuma to is a few days and then approximately two more weeks to on the Namibia-Zambia border, meaning that water levels above 7m are expected at Katima Mulilo by mid-March, which is still not as high as last year, when river levels reached 7.85m.

The Zambezi River at Katima Mulillo is rising steadily. As of 08 March, the river level stood at 5.99m, up 10cm since the previous day. This is above normal levels for this time of the year (3.78m), and higher than last year (5.66m). However, the magnitude of flood that will ultimately occur at Katima Mulilo depends on rains and flow conditions in the intermediate areas. The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), ZESCO (Zambia’s hydropower company) and the Zambia Department of Water Affairs (DWA) are monitoring the rise in water levels through their usual gauging stations along the

The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors.

Zambezi River. The Zambia Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is also monitoring the situation closely. The DMMU has made it clear that as soon as the situation worsens, it will be fully involved in sensitizing people in the lower to relocate.

In Zimbabwe, the Zambezi River water levels have been increasing since the start of the rainy season. All the inflows in the river are captured by Kariba Dam which is now 73% full having gained 3.4% of its volume since the 1st of March. The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) issued warnings to the general public prior to its opening of one flood gate on 9 March.

In Mozambique, , which is downstream of Kariba dam was 72.5 percent full on 6 March, up from 71.8 percent the previous day. Since 5 March the discharge of the Cahora Bassa has been increased, and this increase will be maintained until 15 March. While the opening of one Kariba dam flood gate is not a significant event in itself, any additional flow from the dam may force another increase in discharge from the Cahora Bassa, increasing the possibility of flooding in Mozambique and possible backflow into the in . According to the Mozambique National Meteorological Institute (INAM) moderate to heavy rainfalls are expected over the period 6-15 March in Zambezia, Nampula, Niassa and Cabo Delgado provinces. Moderate to heavy rains are expected in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe over the same period.

Mozambique

The Government of Mozambique declared a Red Alert on 9 March 2010 following a meeting of the Council of Ministers in light of the current localized flooding in parts of the country. The Red Alert has been called as a preparedness measure, and to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall in Mozambique and neighbouring countries, and related outflows from several and in the sub-region. During the past seven days, heavy rains (between 50 and 100 mm) were reported in the Northern and Central regions of the country, particularly in Tete, Manica, , Zambezia, Nampula and Inhambane provinces.

Following issuance of the Red Alert, the Central Emergency Operations Centre (CENOE) held a meeting on 9 March 2010 with focal points from various line ministries and other relevant government institutions and members of the Humanitarian Country Team (cluster leads) to provide an overview of the situation, preparedness and prepositioning measures and ongoing response in areas affected by the localized flooding.

Based on preliminary figures provided by the National Emergency Operations Centre (CENOE) on 9 March, 13,000 people have been affected by the initial inundation in , Tete, Chemba, Tambara, Mutarara, Caia, Mopeia, Morrumbaia, Marromeu and . They have been resettled in secure areas on higher ground. The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC) estimates that 130,000 people currently live in risk zones and may be potentially affected should water levels continue to rise. An additional 45 families are currently accommodated in the cultural centre of Buzi.

An assessment of the localized needs is ongoing by provincial authorities, and provides the basis for support to families that require transport to safer areas, shelter and initial support. Provincial authorities are being supported by local members of the Mozambican Red Cross. To-date, 74 tents have been set up for families in need of time-bound shelter and related support

According to the latest information, Chiramba village () is currently only accessible by boat due to the inaccessibility of the road. Around 1,300 families (6,500 people) may be in need of humanitarian assistance in this area, which is being assessed by partners.

The Government of Mozambique, in coordination with partners, is closely monitoring the situation in the affected areas to ensure that needs are identified and immediately addressed. The situation is under control and a drop in rainfall is expected in the coming days unless the tropical storm off the coast of Madagascar results in additional rain in Mozambique. Nevertheless, on account of the impact of internal and external tributaries, there is a continued need to monitor water levels and the potential impact of continued localized flooding on communities living adjacent to riverine areas.

The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors.

2

Under the framework of the IASC Cluster Approach, humanitarian cluster members are monitoring the developments and providing support to the localized response. Teams have been deployed to the affected areas to support the Government in carrying out rapid assessments in districts that are increasingly becoming affected.

Coordination meetings have been scheduled by various clusters in the coming days to ensure the continued ability of partners to assess priority requirements of the Government, and provide timely support to areas in need

Emergency supplies including WASH, Health and Education materials have been pre-prositioned in strategic regional locations by HCT members and are being deployed to affected areas based on the results of the initial assessments. Food supplies are being delivered to partners in flood affected areas to address the impact of the ongoing drought as well as sudden-onset flood.

Zambia

Heavy rains in Zambia have seen the buildup of water levels along the Zambezi River. The Zambia Meteorological Department is predicting that there will be floods along the Zambezi River, but the magnitude of these floods is not yet known.

So far, about 150 families affected by the floods in have been relocated to the Independence Stadium in northern Lusaka, where the Government has set up temporary shelter. Most of the families are from Missisi and Kanyama compounds. According to the Government’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), more than 800 families have been affected by the floods but the stadium will only be able to accommodate a maximum of 250 families.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) indicated to UNICEF that about 10 schools in 2 compounds in Lusaka are under water. In Kabwe, Central Province, seven homes have been destroyed by flash floods due to heavy rains. There are other reports of flash floods in other parts of the country such as Solwezi District of Northern Province and Livingstone of Southern Province.

Cholera

As of 8 March 2010, an estimated 910 Cholera cases have been reported, including 19 deaths. The Ministry of Health stated that around 584 cases had been reported in where 15 people have already died, while the Southern Province had an estimated 175 cases and the reported around 150 cases and 4 deaths.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has set up a team comprising the UN, NGOs and International Partners to look into the situation. The Government’s DMMU working closely with the international partners has the situation under control. The Government is currently administering a comprehensive needs assessment in the camp which will be the basis of further support by all stakeholders

Zimbabwe

Persistent rains in the of Zimbabwe over the past ten days have resulted in increased flows in the Save and Pungwe Rivers. This will increase discharge levels downstream into Mozambique, increasing flooding risks along the Save and basins. Close monitoring of the discharge of Save and Pungwe in Zimbabwe is necessary in order to provide flood early warning to Mozambique.

The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors.

3

III. Coordination Governments, through National Disaster Management Authorities are coordinating the response in Zambia, Mozambique and Angola with assistance from international partners. Monitoring of the river levels, by the government is being done in conjunction with national hydrological agencies.

IV. Contact

Please contact: Kelly David Head of Office, OCHA Regional Office for Southern and Eastern Africa +27 11 517 1609 [email protected], Cell Phone +27829081338

For more information, please visit www.ochaonline.un.org/rosea and www.reliefweb.int

The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors.

4

Southern Africa Flood Update as at 09 March 2010

Normal to above normal rains in northern Zambia and northern Mozambique are causing river levels to rise forcing authorities to discharge water from Kariba dam in Zimbabwe and Cahora Bassa dam in Mozambique. This in addition to ongoing rainfall is causing localised flooding in some areas.

a Lu b ka Lake Rukwa a g l a a u Lake MweruLake Mweru Wantipa L Tanzania

Democratic Republic of the Congo Lukulu

e

r i The Government of Zambia has set up temporary h C shelter at Independence Stadium in Lusaka. 150 people have already sought shelter there. The stadium can accomodate a maximum of 250 Chinde Nampula The Government of Mozambique issued a families. According to the Government, 800Angola Chavuma families have been affected. Red Alert on 9 March 2010 as a Malawi preparedness measure. Lukulu Zambia Lake Malombe Lusaka Nampula Zambezi Zambezi Lake Chilwa Cahora Bassa Dam Chiramba village is currently only accessible Z by boat due to the inaccessibility of the road. a m Tambara Zambezia b Around 6,500 people may be in need of e z Chemba i Chiramba humanitarian assistance. 910 cholera cases and 19 cholera related Mozambique deaths have been reported in Zambia, of P Manica un gw Sofala which 584 cases and 15 deaths were e 13,000 people affected by the flooding in reported in Lusaka. Zimbabwe Mozambique, mostly along the Zambezi Buzi River, have been relocated to safe areas. Buzi Makgadigadi Pans Save Namibia

Botswana Inhambane Increased water flows in the Save, Pungwe and Buzi Rivers from Zimbabwe increase the flood risk downstream in Mozambique. Inhambane

Settlement Rivers Swaziland Lakes Vaal Dam

Bloemhof Dam

Disclaimer:The designations employed and the presentation Map ID:ROSEA130v01_Southern Africa Flood Update of material on this map do not imply the expression of any Creation Date: 10 March 2010 opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, Sources: Flood Information: Humanitarian Partners on the ground city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation Mapping Data: HYCOS, ESRI, OCHA