A consolidated report on flood situation in Southern - June 2010 Floods

Destruction caused by floods in Swedru Township - (Photo by PRS&D)

Report by: UNFPA, WFP, WHO, IOM, UNESCO, OCHA, World Vision, Presbyterian Relief Service and Development, Ghana Red Cross, and Information gathered from National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and District Coordinating Assembly.

12th July 2010 1. Introduction

Background

The Coastal Regions of Southern Ghana experienced prolonged heavy (torrential) rainfall for a period of up to five (5) consecutive days starting on 20th June 2010. This resulted in severe flooding affecting several parts of Greater , Central, Volta, Eastern and Western Regions. As of 7th July, the latest NADMO reports indicated that at least 33,602 people were affected with up to 15,000 displaced – living in temporary shelters and 36 dead. The destruction caused by the flash floods has been immense especially in Central Region where a whole Township of Swedru was rendered non-commercial for a period of four days following collapse of three bridges connecting the town to the rest of the region.

NADMO has been in the forefront of coordinating the rescue operation and relief response to the flood victims. However, as the situation continues to worsen and many parts of the country become affected; their capacity has been overwhelmed mainly with regards to provision of relief assistance. As a result, the Inter-Agency Working Group resolved to undertake a rapid joint mission to the worst affected areas to assess the situation, understand the magnitude of the effects of the flood and finally be in a position to mobilize for additional support for NADMO.

On July 2nd, a team comprising of UNFPA, WFP, WHO, IOM, UNESCO, OCHA, World Vision, Presbyterian Relief Service and Development, Ghana Red Cross, NADMO and the District Assembly of Swedru visited at least two districts in Central Region reported to have been worst affected. They included: Agona West district - , Swedru Township and Gomoa East Districts - Tekyiam, Ekwamkrom. The team observed that several houses and business premises had either collapsed or had been submerged rendering thousands homeless. In addition at least three communities had been marooned following the collapse of bridges and several acres of farm land (400) inundated destroying maize, cassava, pepper, tomatoes, rice crops etc

The objective of this report

The purpose of this assessment report is to consolidate existing information available on the humanitarian situation and to provide the UN and other humanitarian partners with relevant data to inform the design of a coordinated approach and appropriate response in the flood affected areas

Methodology and information sources

. Briefings from the NADMO District Officers and District Assemblies on the current situation . Briefings from representatives of affected communities . Household interviews . The media . NADMO HQ consolidated reports.

2. Overview of the flood situation per region

2.1 Central Region:

. Swedru Township is noted to be the worst affected. There was severe destruction to the entire infrastructure including: houses, businesses, schools, churches, bridges and the stadium. Movement across the town has been limited following the collapse of three bridges – main Akora Bridge in central town, Bailey bridge and a foot bridge. The Military Service has mounted a temporary bridge which can only be used as foot path. The bridge connecting Tekyiam village to (Bawjiase) has also collapsed limiting movement. Notably, children cannot access schools as they are on the other side of the community. . In terms of quantifiable damage: o 11 deaths recorded in Nyakrom – East Agona District; o total figure of affected in Agona West District stands at over 14,000 – about 1,300 in camp settings, 2,000 staying with families, 11,000 affected one way or the other i.e. loss of property, house submerged, cut off, inundated farmland etc; o 1,000 sacks of cocoa were destroyed at the Cocoa Shed; o 400 youth rendered jobless due to destruction of their makeshift workplaces and working tools swept away by flood waters; o two schools affected Presbyterian School in Salem and Assemblies of God in Nyakrom; the District Education Directorate completely flooded resulting in loss of computers and other resource materials

. Several camps exist in the district located at Ahmmadyia Junior School, Salem KGS, Town Hall and Abunjui Guest House all totalling (1014 people) in Swedru Township. Other camp sites are located at Domeki in Agona East District (169 people); in Gomoa East District at – Nsuaem, Tekyiam Primary School,Besease and Teachers quarter (610 people in total). . With regards to sanitation, the district septic tank has been destroyed and latrines submerged. There is dire need to provide mobile toilets to cater for the urgent need presented. There are also implications of pollution of water sources and potential infections. . Commercial service has immensely suffered. Four days after the floods, there was no commercial activity since the township was inundated and completely cut off from neighbouring communities following the collapse of bridges. According to the District Executive Officer – the district collects up to 300,000 Ghana cedis daily in revenue. However, as a result of the floods, the District lost up to 1.2 million cedis. In addition, following the collapse of the bridge, many traders have opted for other unaffected areas and no longer bring business to Swedru town.

2.2 :

. The most affected area is , where up to 15 people lost their lives and at least 2,200 rendered homeless. Others areas affected include: , Katamaso, , Dawhenya, Bundase, Ningo, Afienya etc. . The number one priority concern is the status of water and sanitation facilities. In areas with high population, illiteracy and uncontrolled development i.e. Tema and Ashaiman; basic sanitation facilities such as toilets and bathroom consists of temporary structures that were not able to withstand the force of water collapsing in the process. Broken and or perforated water pipelines along the path of flood water mix up with already contaminated water. . It has been observed that Accra flooding was caused mainly by existence of buildings in water ways and construction of roads without proper drainage alignment. The Mountains were the primary cause of the recent floods. . Flood devastation can still be observed in Ashaiman i.e. underground telephone lines exposed with some broken, washed street lights and collapsed buildings. . An effort to dredge sea weeds and other debris is ongoing in Lagoon area. . Most members of displaced households are staying with friends and family relations; others have started to reconstruct and move back to their old homes.

2.3 :

. Affected areas are in Ketu South District – Adina, Agbozome, Klikor and Municipality – Akporwotokor, Kedzi and -Dornorgbor. . The major road linking Dakordzi/Akplorwotorkor to Dzita and Anyanui communities has been completely washed away by tidal waves. . At least 378 hectares of farmlands with maize and other vegetables belonging to Community- Based Groups under the Millennium Challenge Account were submerged and destroyed. . The Flood was attributed to technical/engineering defects, non adherence to building regulations, and deposit of domestic waste into drainage system etc. . There has been a negative impact on economic and livelihood of at least four communities affected – almost rendered to a halt. . Poor sanitation as a result of non-existence drainage system resulting in a slight increase in malaria and diarrhoea cases as reported by the Volta Regional Health Director.

2.4 :

. Affected areas include Nzema East, Nsuaem, Sekondi/Takoradi and . . It is observed that floods occurred mainly in low lying areas due to choked and dirt culverts as in the case of Sekondi – Takoradi; and also due to construction in water ways. . In Ahunyame community in East Nzema, at least 30 houses were completely destroyed. . Tarkwa Secondary School was also affected due to it location. It’s situated in low laying area between two hills; also the mining activities upstream limits the flow of water into the stream

3. Sector Concerns

Health:

Diarrhoeal diseases, malaria, and acute respiratory infections present the most significant risk to morbidity and mortality in the flood affected communities. Cases of malaria, diarrhoea and coughing are already being witnessed in some of the affected areas i.e. in Volta and Central Regions. Use of nets, particularly by children under five and pregnant mothers is extremely low. An increase in incidences of malaria, diarrhoea and respiratory infections is likely to be observed in the event of delayed intervention. Prevention (hygiene promotion, water purification, safe water storage) and community based management of diarrhoea with ORS is recommended. Education of the affected population especially mothers regarding the signs and symptoms of pneumonia, and the need for prompt antibiotic treatment is recommended also.

While there hasn’t been a significant damage on health infrastructure in most of the affected communities, access to medical facilities including services for pregnant women is limited due to long distances or communities being cut off.

Water and Sanitation:

Poor access to safe sources of water and adequate sanitation facilities contributes to the transmission of water and food borne disease. In crowded settings i.e. in Greater Accra, populations are at risk of outbreaks of diarrhoeal diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and shigellosis. Prior to floods, sanitation has been challenging in most of the affected areas prompting defecation in the open or in bushes. Most communities are using the same water sources (principally boreholes and open rivers). The extent of contamination of these sources has not been determined and further assessments may be required. Therefore, access to safe water sources, appropriate treatment and storage of drinking water, and hygiene promotion activities is considered necessary.

Shelter:

Destruction in Swedru Township – Photo by Presbyterian RS&D Shelter has been considered a priority need by the affected population. Nearly two thirds of all households assessed can be described as totally collapsed. Many families remain within their communities housed by the extended family members and friends due to existing strong family ties. A limited number of people still sleep in public buildings such as schools and churches at night i.e. in Tema in Greater Accra and Swedru in Central Region. Crowded living conditions and exposure can contribute to a high prevalence of acute respiratory infections in displaced persons.

As such, immediate shelter needs need to focus on provision of temporary shelter for those staying in public buildings. Medium to longer term needs related to rehabilitation and reconstruction of infrastructure may not be possible before the end of the rainy season in October.

Food security:

Food has also been considered a priority need especially for those displaced families staying in public facilities and with host families - placing an increasing pressure on their food security. Raging flood water destroyed crops, washed away household stocks and in some cases the livestock. While not to a serious concern, the food security of some of the affected families remains of concern since the next planting season is at the same period next year. So far, NADMO in partnership with the district assemblies and some churches have provided some food assistance to the affected populations.

In the short term, food assistance targeting the immediate needs of affected persons is of urgent priority. WFP has conducted a second in depth assessment in Central Region where they will be supporting up to 3,000 people with food support. Other assessments are scheduled for Greater Accra, Volta and most probably Western Region.

In the long term, these communities will need support to rebuild their livelihood which is highly dependant on small scale crop production and small scale business. Further assessments on impact on livelihoods i.e. destruction caused to infrastructure, farmlands and crops and other business activities are recommended.

Education: Even though the school infrastructure in most regions was not severely affected; at least up to four schools continue to host some of the affected families in Central and Greater Accra regions. The District Directorate of Education was totally inundated by flood water destroying all resource materials such as transcripts, books and computers. Six classroom block at the Presbyterian School collapsed in the flood and do require reconstruction. Equally affected is the Assemblies of God School in Agona East District.

Response and Pledges

o In Agona East District, the District Disaster Management Committee has established eight sub- committees to develop a Plan of Action for the district. These include: Settlement, Environment and Sanitation, Health, Relief Supply, Publicity, Finance, Security, and Transport & Markets. o The Health sub-committee has negotiated with the National Health Insurance Authority to support issuance of new cards to those individuals who lost their in flood waters. Also, they have partnered with a Clinical Psychological Team to provide psychological treatment and counselling and also to vaccinate the displaced population against H1N1 pandemic and. They will also be providing mobile clinic services to affected populations free of charge. o The District Assembly has been delivering water to the displaced families. However, lacks of storage facilities has limited their efforts. o NADMO and the District Assembly have delivered a minimum package of food and non-food items to affected people in affected areas. NADMO is also delivering some clean water to most of the affected communities staying in the camp settings. However, lack of storage facilities i.e. water tanks is limiting this effort. o The Presbyterian Church has delivered some mattresses and used clothing to affected people at the Town hall in Swedru. o The Iranian Embassy has donated 10 tents through the Red Cross Society to the displaced families staying at the Town Hall. On 10th July, Red Cross distributed non-food items to families at Agona East District in Central Region and also conducted clean up campaigns to clear to drainage. o UNICEF through Ghana Red Cross has provided some water purification tablets, treated mosquito nets and mobile toilets to NADMO for use in Greater Accra. o WHO has assisted the Ministry of Health to draft a Health Contingency Plan in case of cholera outbreak. They are also assisting in surveillance and have provided some drugs to Ghana Health Service. o WFP conducted a second assessment on 9th July, to establish proper registration of the affected populations in preparation to deliver food aid. They have identified at least 3,000 people in Central Region in urgent need of food support. o USAID has provided ITN to cover the needs of Central Region – 8 200 ITNs. o UNFPA is providing hygiene kits to NADMO for distribution to women and girls. o UNHCR is allocating some funds towards response mainly to address NFIs requirements o UNDP is considering re-allocating part of funds received from BCPR towards 2010 floods response. o A Cash Grant request of up to USD 100,000 has been made. IOM will conduct procurement of NFIs.

Identified Gaps/Recommendations from Agona West:

o Delivered food stuff is inadequate. Agona West Assembly is appealing for at least 700 bags of cereals that will last for a period of one month. Distribution will only target the people in camps and those staying with family relations. o Access to health is limited. As such the District Health Service is proposing to start conducting mobile clinics. They require assistance with hospital tents, drugs i.e. anti malaria, ORS etc and treated mosquito nets. o In regards to shelter, support needed is more on a long term effort towards reconstruction and rehabilitation of the destroyed infrastructure. Another assessment on Early Recovery – Government led should be undertaken to determine the extent of damage caused and cost it as well for purposes of resource mobilization. o Water and sanitation are key as well. Provision of storage tanks and repair of the destroyed septic tank should be given priority. o Support to livelihood recovery is crucial as well i.e. provision of start up funds for those that lost their businesses, and for farmers –seeds and farm equipment depending on the immediate needs. o Education – the affected schools will need support through provision of education kits, purchase of new computers and other lost resource materials as well as reconstruction of affected school blocks. o Prevention of sexual violence is critical. The situation in the camps set up for the displaced persons’ does not separate basic facilities for men and women. Tensions, stress and trauma caused by the disaster tends to increase all forms of violence including sexual violence especially against women and girls. Protection measures should be taken to prevent such incidences and also provide appropriate assistance to victims.

Overall Recommendations

. Thousands of people continue to live under precarious conditions i.e. lack of shelter, limited access to food, clean water, health etc. NADMO’s resources are quickly getting depleted and support is urgently needed to compliment delivery of NFIs such as temporary shelter, clean water, medicine, mosquito nets, blankets, family kits and clothing in the immediate future.

. Food assistance is also urgently needed to lessen the pressure being exerted on host populations.

. For effective and sustainable delivery of the limited available resources, one single pipeline should be maintained. All assistance should therefore be channelled through NADMO or at least make sure NADMO is informed of your support. OCHA requests that this information is also copied to them for purposes of mapping out response - to identify gaps and avoid duplication of efforts.

. Support should be provided to recovery of lost livelihoods and rehabilitation & reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure.

. To compliment the information obtained during the joint rapid assessment, in-depth assessments within different sectors should be promoted. This will provide an opportunity to fill information gaps as well as determine medium and long-term interventions required.

Annexes:

1. Latest statistics of affected communities in Western and Eastern Regions as of 20th July. 2. A Response matrix indicating who has what and for where. Greater Accra, Central, Volta, Western Regions as of 7th July. Including a matrix of requirements –what has been provided and the existing gaps. 3. Mission photos courtesy of UNESCO