Ghana – Floods Situation Report #2 29Th June 2010

Ghana – Floods Situation Report #2 29th June 2010

This report was issued by OCHA Humanitarian Support Unit in Ghana. It covers the period from 22nd to 29th June 2010. The next report will be issued on or around 2nd July 2010.

I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES

The number of the affected population rises to 25,000 with the Central region identified as the worst hit - 17,400 people affected. Rapid assessments ongoing in affected areas to determine the impact of floods on population and infrastructure

II. Situation Overview

Many parts of southern Ghana continued to register heavy rainfall throughout the week. As of June 29th, the latest figures from NADMO indicated that at least 25,000 people were seriously affected by the floods in three regions. As a result, the Government of Ghana has set up a High Level Task Force consisting of senior members of the Government to advice and make recommendations to the President on how best to respond to the ongoing flood situation.

On June 24th, a joint assessment conducted in Greater Accra – Tema and Ashaiman areas confirmed that at least several people were still inundated and were housed in school or church institutions i.e. all the 227 people affected in Tema. In Central region, 200 people are staying in Swedru Town Hall while 150 others are camped at LA school in Agona Nyakrom. Elsewhere, communities living around Weija dam in Accra were reported to be in threat as water levels continued to raise prompting opening of flood gates. In Volta region, communities living in Adafianu, Adina and Amutinu settlements of Ketu South District remain submerged. Equally affected are communities in Ahiatakukope and Dzatakope near Aflao town. Access to clean water and proper sanitation were the main problems observed.

Source: NADMO During his presentation to the UNCT, the National Region Area/Place Affected families Total No. of Coordinator of NADMO affected affected dead provided an overview of the per region flood situation in which he Families Persons Greater Tema Metro 86 227 indicated that heavy rains Accra (New Town, C5) experienced in Aburi Mountains had resulted in Ashaiman 585 2440 4,342 12 the overflow of two Ga West 103 685 Dangme West 102 510 community dams – Botwe Adenta 120 480 5 and Kantamanso causing Central Agona Swedru 14,558 11 river tributaries to channel Agona Nyakrom 1,523 2 their waters into settlement Afransi (Gomoa 1,157 17,388 areas. In addition, lack of East District) Elmina – Kissi 150 proper planning, Volta Ketu South 420 3360 1 construction in water ways (Adafianu) 3360 and open drainage systems were a huge challenge contributing immensely to Total 1416 25,090 25,090 31

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. the flooding incidence. He informed that while his organization was trying to respond to the needs of the affected populations; some gaps still existed to which he appealed for assistance. Consultations are ongoing with relevant stakeholders to ensure support is provided to the affected populations.

III. Humanitarian Needs and Response

Emergency Shelter and NFI

In Greater Accra, NADMO and the District Assemblies have provided some food, non food items and temporary shelter to up to 1,770 affected people with a gap of up to 2,500 people remaining to receive support.

USAID has indicated that they will provide some 4,500 ITNs to some of the affected population in Central region as they wait for a consolidated report on the needs.

Ghana Red Cross has made an appeal to their Regional Office requesting for NFIs to respond to the needs of the affected populations. Trained volunteers will be conducting assessments during this weekend.

The Presbyterian Relief Service and Development has conducted a rapid assessment in parts of Central Region and provided some used clothes and blankets to the affected populations.

Food and Nutrition

WFP is waiting to receive additional information/confirmation on the gaps to be able to provide food aid to the affected populations. Meanwhile, NADMO has either delivered or is in the process of reaching the affected regions with a minimum package of food aid.

Health

UNFPA will be providing some health kits to NADMO.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

UNICEF has provided two mobile toilets for Community 5 (Tema) displaced persons. In additional they have dispatched off sanitation kits and water purification tablets.

NADMO is delivering some clean water to the affected communities in Greater Accra.

Infrastructure

Three bridges around Agona Swedru and Nyakrom in Central region are completely destroyed limiting movement and in the process affecting both the social and economic activities of these communities. Reports from the last assessment undertaken in Ashaiman – Greater Accra indicate that some roads are still blocked making it difficult to reach the affected communities to assess their needs.

IV. Coordination

An Inter-Agency Working Group meeting is scheduled for this week to discuss the flood situation and identify priority gaps that need immediate redress. WATSAN cluster met on 29 June.

Another joint mission is scheduled for this week and will cover areas in Central region.

OCHA Humanitarian Support Unit is coordinating with NADMO and other partners to ensure that information on existing gaps is identified and addressed in due course.

V. Funding

All humanitarian partners including donors and recipient agencies are encouraged to inform FTS of cash and in-kind contributions by sending an email to: [email protected].

VI. Contact

Please contact:

Ghana: Mercy Manyala, Head OCHA Humanitarian Support Unit - Ghana Email: [email protected] Phone: +233 244 341 663

Ghana: John Sule Mahama, National Humanitarian Officer Email: [email protected] Phone: +233 244 343 198

Senegal: Yvon, Public Relations/Information Officer Email: [email protected] Phone: +221 77 569 96 53

To be added or deleted from this SitRep mailing list, please email [email protected]