IFRC flood update

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has been assisting more than 22,000 families in Malawi affected by recent flooding, according to an update released on Monday. The report stated that the high level emergency phase of the Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) and Federation operation is over, and efforts are underway to move into the rehabilitation phase. The report noted that the southern Lower Shire region of Malawi, which stretches down to the border with Mozambique has suffered most due to its low, marshy terrain and the presence of several rivers flowing into the already swollen Shire river. The heavy rains are forecast to continue, and have caused the rivers in the area to burst their banks on at least three occasions, displacing many thousands of people, flooding homes and farmland, and causing severe damage to property and crops. Due to the already high water table, the flood waters have not been receding, and with the ongoing rains the threat of further flooding only increases. Although the loss of life has been minimal in large measure because the majority of people have heeded government warnings, thousands are at risk because of the timing of the floods. February is considered a lean month when most food stocks are used up ahead of the March harvest. With much of the harvest washed away, food is now a priority. The lack of food and shelter increases the vulnerability of flood victims, heavily impacting on their health and nutritional status. The already serious situation has been compounded by damaged sanitation facilities and contaminated water, increasing the threat of cholera and malaria. Responding to humanitarian needs and to support the national society, IFRC launched a preliminary appeal in February followed by a full US $2.28 million appeal issued in March. The report stated that many thousands of blankets, water carriers, cookers and tarpaulins had been distributed to flood victims. To promote self-sustainability, IFRC and the MRCS considered it imperative that the planned seeds and tool kits be obtained as soon as possible. The report noted that there is an urgent need for the rehabilitation of flooded wells, bore holes, and latrines. Many of the victims remain without access to clean water, and many of the affected areas are still covered with stagnant water. Some 4,000 mosquito nets are expected to arrive in Blantyre during the first week of May. For further details, please see: http://www.ifrc.org