Flooding in Southern Africa: Updated 31 March 2009
The flooding in Southern Africa that started in February 2009 in Namibia and Angola has expanded to cover Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia as well. The flooding is mainly covering the Cuvelai, Okavango and Zambezi river basins. This has arisen due to the high rains that fell in these areas during February and March 2009. The flooding has resulted in drowning, destruction of infrastructure including roads and houses, and loss of crops and livestock.
Summary of Flood Situation
OCHA reports that 350,000 people have been affected in Namibia, and 200,000 have been affected in Angola by the flooding. In Zambia, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reports that nearly 1000 families were displaced by the flooding in the Western Province, and flooding has also affected people in Eastern, Lusaka, central and Northern Provinces. In Mozambique, a tropical depression on 20 March resulted in flooding which affected nearly 4000 in one district (Cuamba) in Niassa province, according to an OCHA report. The tropical depression has since strengthened into Tropical Cyclone Izilda, and is currently off the coast of Madagascar as at 27 March, with potential to cause more heavy rains in Madagascar and Mozambique. Heavy rains over the Okavango Basin have also resulted in flooding on the Okavango River in Botswana, with media reports quoted by OCHA indicating that over 400 people have been displaced. Flooding has also affected Malawi, where reports indicate that 4 districts have been affected, with estimates that approximately 3400 households have been affected in one district, according to OCHA.

Responses
Angola: The Government has allocated US$10 million for the response, for food and non-food items, according to OCHA reports. The same report indicates that international agencies have allocated US$600,000 to initiate the response, though an additional US$2.3 million is being requested by UN agencies. Several assessments of the affected areas are either underway, or planned. The Government is also supplying 6 cargo planes for the delivery of all available supplies.
Botswana: OCHA quoted media reports indicating that Government was providing shelter and food to displaced persons, with assistance from Botswana Red Cross.
Malawi: The Government have provided relief supplies to affected areas, and is further planning to provide agricultural inputs to affected areas, according to OCHA
Mozambique: According to OCHA, over 700 affected people were relocated to 2 schools, where the Government is supplying food and non-food items and other assistance. The Red Cross is also assisting with non-food items, and partners are being mobilized for support. There is still a need for shelter, food and disease prevention in all affected areas.
Namibia: Government has made an international appeal, after declaring a disaster for northern Namibia. According to OCHA, the Government has allocated about USD10.9 million for the response, and has set up 21 relocation camps in affected areas. UN Agencies, IFRC, and the US Government are also assisting. UN is planning to launch a Flash Appeal
Zambia: Government is supplying assistance in the form of food and non-items, and has set up two camps for relocation. The Government has not made an international appeal, but has requested support from partners (OCHA)