Angola-Namibia: Vital funds for flood affected - The excessive rainfall has also caused flood damage in Malawi, Botswana, Madagascar and Mozambique.
April 1st, 2009
JOHANNESBURG, - With more rain predicted for much of Southern Africa the United Nations has released urgent emergency funding to accelerate assistance to thousands affected by the worst floods in over 40 years in Angola and Namibia.
Photo: EU Civil Protection and UNDAC team 
Flooding across Namibia has displaced some 13,000 people
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), aid agencies in Namibia have appealed for US$2.7 million to respond to the plight of some 350,000 people affected throughout the country.
The “Flash Appeal”, jointly launched by six UN Agencies, has already received $1.3 million via the rapid response window of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which is reserved for time-critical, life-saving activities. Germany has contributed $317,000.
A further $2.3 million from the CERF has been assigned to efforts in Angola, where an estimated 220,000 people have been affected.
"With flood and river levels the highest since 1963, and heavy rains still expected in the coming weeks, it is imperative that shelter assistance reaches people as quickly as possible," said Katharina Schnöring, Chief of Mission in Angola for the International Organization for Migration.
The funds will be used mainly for food distribution, health, shelter, access to clean water and sanitation. The excessive rainfall has also caused flood damage in Malawi, Botswana, Madagascar and Mozambique.
For the latest information on humanitarian appeals and funding, visit OCHA’s Financial Tracking Service (FTS).
tdm/he source.www.irinnews.org