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More money needed to fix flood damage

Flooding across Namibia has displaced some 13,000 people EU Civil Protection and UNDAC team
The international humanitarian community in Namibia has more than doubled its initial appeal for funding to address the ongoing needs since extensive flooding hit most of the northeastern border in early 2009.

Heavy rain and floodwater from tributaries originating in Angola and Zambia pushed the Cunene, Chobe, Zambezi and Kavango rivers far beyond their banks, affecting a large area that is home to most of the country's rural poor.

"To further support and complement the Government in its response, the international humanitarian community is seeking a revised amount of US$7,071,951 to address residual humanitarian needs as identified by further assessments," said a statement released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on 29 July.

Some 350,000 people - nearly 17 percent of the population – were affected by the floods after torrential rains swamped the countryside. Over 100 people lost their lives and more than 13,500 were displaced; the government declared an emergency on 17 March 2009.

The first Flash Appeal - seeking $2,724,380 – was launched on 28 March but has been revised after a Post-disaster Needs Assessment by the government, United Nations and the World Bank. Currently the revised Flash Appeal is funded at $1.9 million.

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This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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