DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF 9 January 1998 CONGO: FLOODS IN KISANGANI Information Bulletin N° 2 The Disaster The Governor of Haut-Congo has appealed for help after the worst flooding in 35 years affected large parts of Kisangani and several other towns in the province. The flood water is receding and limited running water has been restored to part of Kisangani. The restoration of electricity will take some two months as the installations have to be overhauled. Several small villages along the Congo river , such as Isangi, are still under water. In addition to the cholera epidemic, which has caused already more than 50 deaths, cases of bloody diarrhoea have been reported. Red Cross Action A joint Congolese Red Cross/Federation team has returned from an assessment in the Kisangani area. The team visited most of the accessible affected sites and upon co-ordination with other organisations present the following plan of action is proposed: - food and non-food distribution to the most vulnerable - cleaning up of public places and markets - rehabilitation of water points - information campaign on cholera and other water-related diseases - distribution of seeds and tools These activities will be carried out in the town of Kisangani and four surrounding villages (Yakusu, Banalia, Isangi and Ubundu) Needs Most of the food and non-food items are available in the Federation Kinshasa stock (funded by ECHO). Funds will be needed for the procurement of tools and seeds. The Federation is looking as well for a relief administrator and a water and sanitation delegate. Ann Naef Bekele Geleta Acting Head Director Appeals & Reports Service Africa Department.