OCHA/GVA/ - 2000/0003
Yemen - Floods
OCHA Situation Report No. 2
5 January 2000
Situation
1. One month after the Socotra archipelago, Southern Yemen, located southeast of the entrance of the Gulf of Aden, suffered massive floods caused by torrential rains, only a few reports are available on the overall situation and the needs for relief assistance. According to local news, 1,500 houses have been destroyed and about 950 have been damaged.
2. According to a report received from the UNDP Office in Sana'a, some areas were badly hit by the floods and assistance for the local people is urgently required. The lowland, coastal areas of the northern part of Socotra, in particular the villages of Gadhub, Diham, and the lower, old part of Hadibu are most heavily damaged. All other parts of the islands have suffered damage, but to a minor degree.
National response
3. An assessment team established by the Government has undertaken a survey of the extent of flood damage and rehabilitation requirements and other measures but its report has not yet been disseminated. While the Government has not declared an emergency situation for Socotra, it has requested the UNDP Office in Sana'a to provide immediate support.
Needs
4. So far urgent requirements, such as tents, blankets, road repairs, compensation for damage to palm tree crops and repair of offices, seem to be covered by the Government of Yemen. However, food, including rice, flour, sugar and vegetable oil, as well as impregnated mosquito nets are still needed.
International response
5. WHO has provided medical supplies with a total value of USD 10,000. In addition, WHO has supplied ten emergency health kits. Other UN agencies are considering further assistance. OCHA is in close contact with UNDP Sana'a to monitor the situation and to review requirements.
6. This situation report and further information on ongoing emergencies are also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int
Telephone number: +41-22-917 12 34
In case of emergency: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10
Desk Officers: Ms. S. Metzner-Strack/Mr.
R. Mueller/Mr. S. Matsuka,
OCHA Disaster Response Branch, direct Tel. +41-22-917 21 44 / 31 31 / 40
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Press contact: Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli,
direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org
