Namibia |
Disaster Assistance at a Glance
Recent Disaster Declarations:
Floods
OFDA Response:
Emergency Relief Supplies, Shelter, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Latest OFDA Report:
Southern Africa Floods Fact Sheet #1 (66kb)
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Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Floods, 03-18-2009
Beginning in January 2009, heavy rains in northern and northeastern Namibia, exacerbated by rainfall in southern Angola and Zambia, led to flooding in the Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana, Ohshikto, Kavango, and Caprivi regions. The Government of the Republic of Namibia’s (GRN) Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate reported that the flooding has killed approximately 92 people, displaced at least 12,000 others, and affected an estimated 300,000 individuals. However, damage to roads and bridges hindered the GRN’s assessment of many affected areas. The GRN also reported extensive damage to houses, schools, and health clinics in areas surveyed. In addition, for the second consecutive year the floods affected standing crops and food reserves. On March 17, the GRN declared an emergency in the affected areas and requested international assistance.
On March 18, U.S. Ambassador Gail D. Mathieu declared a disaster for Namibia due to the flooding. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/Namibia to the Namibian Red Cross Society to support emergency relief efforts such as the provision of relief commodities and water, sanitation, and hygiene support. From March 10 to 14, a USAID/OFDA regional advisor conducted an assessment with USAID/Namibia staff to identify humanitarian needs and affected populations.
Additional Disaster Declaration:
Floods, 03-06-2008
Since January 2008, heavy rains in northern and northeastern Namibia, compounded by severe rainfall in the neighboring countries of Angola and Zambia, have led to flooding in the Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana, and Caprivi regions. The flooding killed at least 42 people and affected an estimated 30,000 families, according to the Government of the Republic of Namibia’s (GRN) Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate. In addition, the floods damaged infrastructure, crops, and roads and hampered patients’ access to health clinics. On March 4, the GRN requested international assistance to alleviate the impact of the floods.
On March 6, U.S. Ambassador Gail D. Mathieu issued a disaster declaration for Namibia due to the flooding. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/Namibia to the Namibian Red Cross Society to support emergency relief efforts for flood-affected populations.
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