Panama: Floods OCHA Situation Report No. 2

Source:

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

This situation report is based on information received from the Resident Coordinator, UNETT, the COE, the UNDAC Team and other agencies present in Panama through their Regional Offices.

HIGHLIGHTS

- As the situation improves, some 560

people still remain in four temporary

shelters. Some 23,700 persons were

affected and 3,300 houses were damaged or

destroyed.

- The total damage caused by the floods is

estimated at USD 10 million.

SITUATION

1. The Government has now declared Bocas

del Toro, Comarca Ngobe Bugle and Colon

under yellow alert, while Chiriqui is

under green alert. Panama had experienced

continuous heavy rainfall during November

that led to flooding in many parts of the

country. The total number of fatalities

remains at 10, while the total number of

injured still stands at 6. Some 23,700

persons were affected and 3,300 houses

were damaged or destroyed.

2. Out of 58 shelters initially set up,

only four are still open: 2 in Bocas del

Toro and 2 in Panama’s northeastern area.

The shelters house a total of 560 persons.

Roads are not totally safe yet, slowing

down relief and recovery efforts. Some

affected communities are isolated and

continue to be difficult to reach. A

number of water wells are contaminated in

some areas and the affected population is

at risk of skin, intestinal, respiratory

infections and other related waterborne

diseases. Eight infrastructure

installations were affected as well as 3

warehouses in Chiriqui. Livelihood in

farming, banana productions, commerce, and

tourism has been severely affected.

However, telecommunications and power are

fully restored. The total damage is

estimated to be USD 10 million.

RESPONSE

3. The Government’s response is

coordinated through the National System of

Civil Protection (‘Sistema Nacional de

Protección Civil’ – SINAPROC). The

National Government continues to collect

and dispatch essential relief items

through the office of the First Lady and

SINAPROC personnel has been distributing

blankets, water and food. SINAPROC’s

warehouse operations continue with a plan

to dispatch goods to communities that have

not been assisted. The Ministry of Housing

assessed some 630 houses in 31 affected

communities of Bocas Del Toro and found

that a total of 37% of all houses were

been totally damaged and 26% are partially

damaged.

4. The international response is

coordinated by the UN Resident

Coordinator, working closely with SINAPROC

and other government institutions. All

Governmental institutions, as well as

Embassies and the civil society, are

involved in the relief efforts. The OCHA

ROLAC Office is providing coordination

support to the UNCT and the UNETT. The

UNDAC team, having supported the

government in information management and

having discussed the transition from

response to recovery, completed its

mission on 9 December 2008.

5. The UNCT has organized the response as

follows: PAHO, UNICEF, IFRC and IOM, under

the leadership of PAHO, are working on

nutrition, water and sanitation, health,

shelters, and camps; WFP is working on

food, logistics and communications; and

FAO, UNEP, UNDP, under the leadership of

UNDP, focus on agriculture, environment

and early recovery. UNHCR and UNICEF, led

by UNICEF, are working on education and

protection.

6. The activities of UN agencies, directly

or through partner organizations, as well

as other relief organizations and the

civil society, have been wide-ranging. WFP

activated emergency staff in the field of

logistics and information management. WFP

distributed high-energy biscuits and

donated a warehouse to SINAPROC. It also

facilitated a basic workshop on supply

chain and warehouse management. UNFPA

distributed 22,000 hygiene family kits.

UNHCR distributed non-perishable products

and provided USD 5,000 worth of other

support. UNICEF deployed a regional WASH

expert and provided relief items. IFRC

allocated CHF 380,000 to respond to the

most urgent needs, providing safe water

tablets, mosquito nets, food, water,

hygiene kits and clothing. UNDP/BCPR will

team up with FAO and UNEP for early

recovery coordination. UNDP has made

available USD 90,000 for damage

assessment, and deployed an expert in

recovery and assistance in coordination

and rehabilitation. PAHO allocated USD

36,000 for immediate response in health

assistance, as well as 5,000 blankets and

logistical support staff. PAHO is also

assisting the Government in the areas of

safe water, surveillance and outbreak

control. It will also provide two chlorine

plants.

7. OCHA, through Norwegian reserves,

provided an emergency cash grant of USD

30,000, to purchase immediate life-saving

items to support flood victims. Two

helicopters, facilitated by OFDA to

distribute goods in isolated areas, have

completed their mission. The Spanish

International Cooperation for the

Development Agency (AECID) donated 14 tons

of humanitarian supplies. The goods

(blankets, mosquito nets, family kitchen

kits, and hygiene family kit) were

transported in trucks from their Logistics

Center, in Panama city, to David’s

airport. AECID further donated EURO 45,000

to PAHO. Contributions were also made by

the Governments of Japan, Colombia, United

States and Germany.

Attachments:

Full_Report.pdf:

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/retrieveattachments?openagent&docid=916B13B19A262C5E8525751B0069665E&file=Full_Report.pdf

HHS Applauds Global Health Accomplishments in Latin America and the Caribbean

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will host a briefing with the Department of Defense and Project Hope, celebrating the accomplishments of Operation Continuing Promise 2008 and other global health initiatives within Latin America and the Caribbean.

Among accomplishments to be discussed are those that strengthen health systems and the diplomatic ties between the U.S. and the Americas. The briefing will celebrate the establishment of the U.S.-led Regional Healthcare Training Center in Panama, which trains government and health professionals in public health matters, and other global health success stories from Ecuador, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Peru, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Haiti.

Representing the Military Health System will be Ms. Ellen P. Embrey, deputy assistant secretary of defense of Force Health Protection and Readiness.  The event will take place on December 12, 2008, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. EST, at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine.

Navy Humanitarian Missions on the Rise

December 04, 2008

Virginian-Pilot

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The amphibious assault ship Kearsarge arrived home Dec. 2 after four months of spreading goodwill.

Its crew of more than 1,000 toured the Caribbean, visiting South and Central American countries to bring medical care, engineering expertise and humanitarian assistance.

The team included service members from various military branches, as well as civilians from non governmental organizations. They operated on patients, built and renovated schools, delivered relief to hurricane victims and more.

The Kearsarge is just one of the Norfolk-based ships that has undertaken such a mission in recent months, and these deployments signal a shift in the military’s role on the world stage. As these ships arrive on distant shores, their goal is to back up U.S. talk of friendship with action.

The hope, say the ships’ commanders, is that these tours will pay off for everyone.

“It was a mission of compassion,” said Capt. Frank Ponds, commander of Amphibious Squadron 8, who traveled aboard the Kearsarge. “It shows our commitment to the region and it improves the U.S.’s image throughout the world.”

In the years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the military has rethought its role. The result was a plan, released jointly by the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard late last year, dubbed “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower.”

It calls for, among other things, an increased use of “soft power,” with the maritime military going forth to spread goodwill by strengthening international partnerships and providing humanitarian assistance.

While the strategy’s language is relatively straightforward, its concepts must be brought down to the tactical, personal level to be useful.

In the Kearsarge’s case, its medical teams provided services to nearly 200,000 people and flew more than 200 people to the ship for surgery.

In Haiti, where the ship diverted in September after a series of storms, its air crews delivered more than 30 metric tons of relief supplies to otherwise unreachable parts of the island.

In the case of the cruiser San Jacinto, which spent seven months in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean and Black seas earlier this year, larger projects focused on search-and-rescue techniques and maritime security.

In Senegal, which had experienced a ferry accident several years before , the ship’s sailors trained helicopter crews and rescue swimmers.

When Capt. Matthew Sharpe, the ship’s commanding officer, learned that one of the country’s primary power boats was ailing, he sent a mechanic ashore to tune it up, greatly increasing the boat’s horsepower in the process.

This non traditional interaction is possible, Sharpe said, “once we have our combat readiness sorted out. We can approach in a non threatening manner, go to contested areas and work with new folks.”

The non threatening approach can be used even in the tensest of situations. When some of Sharpe’s crew boarded a ship to verify an arms shipment, they didn’t come empty handed.

Once they saw everything was well on board, they offered the other crew a plate of warm cookies.

“The power of the freshly baked cookie has proven itself in several theaters,” Sharpe said.

Both Americans and their allies have something to gain from this type of cooperation, he said . “This is not just about American interests, but world interests.”

Cmdr. Daniel Shaw agrees. His dock landing ship Fort McHenry returned in May from a deployment to West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea.

“Small gains are the seed corn for a long, productive relationship” he said, and they’re driven by intensive, pre-trip planning with the host governments.

These plans, Shaw said, “don’t take a big defense budget nor fancy hardware, but they’re the meat of what we do in the military.”

While on tour, Shaw’s sailors trained crews off the coast of Sao Tome and Principe, helping them with their ship identification system and creating a safer environment that, he said, benefits everyone.

“Where security is enhanced, trade among nations, training opportunities and idea exchanges are formed in a very positive meaningful way,” he said, adding that this only comes “through a consistent, persistent presence.”

And when the ships head for home, the hope is that they leave something useful behind.

Shaw’s crew developed a basic welding course that it then taught to several nations. The Kearsarge, meanwhile, helped Guyana develop a medical care delivery program that the country’s health ministry will continue, said the ship’s commanding officer, Capt. Walter Towns.

Shaw said the term “soft power” is inaccurate for these types of missions.

“The strongest bond you have is the trust you build with the people you work with,” he said.

“If you can solve a problem today by showing a guy how to maintain fishing waters, showing him how to deal with piracy, you won’t have to deal with all-out war.

“I think there’s just nothing but good that’s coming out of this.”

Pamama Flooding SITREP 1

Source:

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

This situation report is based on information received from the Resident Coordinator, UNETT, the UNDAC Team and other agencies present in Panama through their Regional Offices.

HIGHLIGHTS

- Heavy rains and floods

affected more than 23,600

people and claimed 10 lives. An

UNDAC Team was

deployed on 29 November.

- Some 11,670 persons are in 44

temporary shelters. The

affected population is in need

of food, water, and

blankets.

- Information management,

transportation and distribution

of relief remain a challenge.

SITUATION

1. Due to a cold front, heavy

rains in Panama, and subsequent

flooding and landslides, have

caused loss of human life,

displacement, and damage to

property, infrastructure,

livestock and crops. The areas

most affected are the provinces

of Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui,

and Colon. The Pacific province

of Darien has been placed on

high alert as rivers there are

reaching critical levels. Rains

are expected to last at least

until 4 December 2008.

2. To date, 10 persons died and

6 were injured. Six persons are

still missing. A total of

23,614 persons have been

directly affected, out of which

11,670 persons are in 44

temporary shelters. Some

initial 58 shelters were set up

at the onset of the emergency.

3. A number of highways and

bridges have been destroyed.

Some 1,165 houses were damaged

and 191 houses were destroyed.

As a result, a number of

communities in Bocas del Toro

cannot be reached. The rains

and floods have also destroyed

three vegetable warehouses.

There is a loss of coffee

growing land, vegetable lands

and dairy farms. In Boca del

Toro, communications are down.

The total damages are estimated

to be as high as USD 6 million.

4. Those in the isolated areas

need food and water. Pollution

by refuse materials and/or

agrochemical products is a

possible health threat. An

increase in food prices is

likely.

Attachments:

Full_Report.pdf:

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/retrieveattachments?openagent&docid=14FE1DD5B63710054925751300032B37&file=Full_Report.pdf

Caribbean Hurricane Season OCHA Situation Report No. 29

Source:

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

HIGHLIGHTS

- According to experts from the Hurricane Center in the

Colorado State University, the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane

Season is ending as one of the most devastating, with a

huge number of casualties and widespread destruction in the

Caribbean, Central America and the United States.

- In Haiti, 23 malnourished children are currently being

treated at the St Michel hospital in Jacmel, in the

South-East department. This newly-installed therapeutic

feeding unit continues to be strengthened.

- Much remains to be done to normalise the water supply in

many parts of Haiti.

- Only 13.4% of shelter needs and 27.5% of non-food item

needs have so far been met countrywide. In Gonaives,

additional tents are urgently needed as well as a decision

regarding the use of La Hatte Rocher as a relocation site.

REGIONAL OVERVIEW

1. According to experts from the Hurricane Center in the

Colorado State University, the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane

Season is ending as one of the most devastating with a huge

number of casualties and widespread destruction in the

Caribbean, Central America and the United States. It was a

very active season with 16 tropical storms, eight of which

were hurricanes ? five of them with high intensity. In

comparison, in 2007, 17 tropical storms formed, six became

hurricanes of which two were major hurricanes. The

hurricane season started early in May 2008 with Arthur

while hurricane Paloma became the second strongest

hurricane of the season at its end in November.

CUBA

SITUATION

2. As a result of the fourth cold front of the winter

season, which passed over the Eastern region of Cuba from

17 to 20 November, torrential rains affected the areas of

Holguin and Granma provinces causing severe flooding. The

most affected municipalities are Yara, Bayamo, and

Manzanillo in Granma province and Sagua de Tánamo, Frank

País and Mayarí en Holguin province. This situation adds to

the very serious damage caused by the three hurricanes

(Gustav, Ike, and Paloma) and two tropical storms (Fay and

Hanna) that affected Cuba in 2008. According to official

information, these hurricanes have caused around USD 10

billion of damage to Cuba as reported in OCHA Situation

Report No. 28 of 13 November. Rains are however expected to

decrease.

3. The Cuban authorities activated the disaster management

bodies in the provinces of Holguin and Granma and evacuated

some 20,000 people. The majority of the evacuees were

staying with family and friends, and a few are in shelter.

Authorities are monitoring all the dams in Holguin and

Granma and have opened the spill-ways for water release to

avoid further flooding. Rivers that overflowed have

interrupted traffic on many roads in Granma and Hologuin.

4. Moreover, a large quantity of the short-cycle crops,

which formed part of the agricultural production recovery

plan following the previous hurricanes and storms, have

suffered, thus affecting the support plan for food security

undertaken by the local governments. In the housing sector,

around respectively 400 houses in Granma and 2,000 in

Holguin are flooded. In the province of Granma, thus far

this year, the communities of La Pompita in Bayamo,

Blanquizal-Vuelta del Caño in Manzanillo and Sofía, Las

Caobas, Gutierrez and Yamagual in Yara have experienced

flooding on more than three occasions.

5. The United Nations System in Cuba maintains all of is

disaster management mechanisms activated, due to the

situation that the country is going through. The United

Nations Country Team in Cuba and UNETE (United Nations

Emergency Technical Team) continue to closely monitor the

present situation and work on the preliminary evaluation of

damage. OCHA and UNDSS regional offices located in Panama

have maintained constant contact with the Resident

Coordinator/Designated Official, offering their support.

The central and regional headquarters of the agencies of

the United Nations System remain in contact with their

agencies present in Cuba.

Attachments:

Full_Report.pdf:

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/retrieveattachments?openagent&docid=E64201E029A2B28B49257509005AF9EA&file=Full_Report.pdf

Honduras and Central America: Floods OCHA Situation Report No. 10

Source:

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

This situation report is based on information received from, the UN Emergency Technical Team (UNETT) in the affected countries, the OCHA Regional Office in Panama and the National Hurricane Centre.

HIGHLIGHTS

- The Flash Appeal for Honduras is only

10% funded. It is estimated that 110,000

children are in need of psychosocial

support.

- In Guatemala, concerns exist over the

magnitude of the disaster in El Peten

following a mission to this departement.

- Overall, in Guatemala and Honduras, more

assistance is needed, notably in the food

sector. Access remains difficult in view

of the roads conditions and many

communities remain isolated.

SITUATION

1. Tropical Depression No. 16 made

landfall in northern Honduras on 16

October and has been slowly crossing over

Central America causing heavy rains from

northern Costa Rica to south-eastern

Mexico. The system affected the countries

of Costa Rica, Belize, Nicaragua,

Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala with

heavy rains which led to flooding and

mudslides. In addition to a cold front

over the region, tropical depression 17,

Paloma, brought additional rains.

HONDURAS

2. A series of meteorological events

(Tropical Depression 16, low depression

and swell) caused severe floods and

landslides especially in the central and

western parts of the country. The

Government of Honduras declared a state of

emergency through an Executive Decree on

19 October and formally requested

humanitarian assistance on 20 October. The

decree ordered Ministries and specialized

institutions under the coordination of the

Permanent Commission for Contingencies,

COPECO, to take immediate necessary

actions using funds from the national

budget and the international community. To

respond to the situation, the United

nations and partners implemented an

Inter-Agency Emergency Response Plan and

sectoral working groups were activated for

Water and Sanitation, Shelter, Health,

Food Security and Nutrition, Early

Recovery and Telecommunication and

Logistics. A Flash Appeal, requesting USD

17 million is 10% funded, including USD

1.5 million from the CERF. 3. The floods

and landslides have affected 313, 350

persons, claimed 49 deaths and injured 7.

Some 50,600 persons were evacuated and

43,350 persons are living in shelters. The

most vulnerable communities have lost

their livelihoods and income. Their living

conditions will remain precarious for

several months. Seventeen out of 18

departments are affected. Agricultural

land and crops ready for the harvest were

lost; water systems were either

contaminated or destroyed. In the Southern

part of the country, 1,100 houses were

flooded due to a combination of heavy

rains, high tides and strong waves. It is

estimated that Tegucigalpa experienced

twice as much rain than the annual average

during the month of October alone. In

addition, the country was affected by a

cold front that brought more rains,

flooding and landslides.

4. Persons in shelters are slowly

returning to their homes, as they do not

wish the leave their property for a long

time and as houses are starting to dry

off. While the school year has now eneded,

most of the schools that were used as

shelters will need to be refurnished and

repaired. UNICEF is providing cleaning

equipment and material to the families

that were sheltered in school buildings in

order for them to leave such premises

clean. It is estimated that 110,000

children are in need of psychosocial

support; the lack of educational

activities and psychological support

reduces their chances of improving their

living conditions. In addition, their

families have lost their crops and

livelihoods, remaining in extreme poverty

and without means to send their children

back to school.

5. Heavy rains have seriously damaged the

water supply and sanitation systems in the

most affected areas, including the Valley

of Sula in the Departments of Cortés and

Yoro, and the Departments of Atlántida and

Colón. Some 324 water supply systems are

reported damaged in the rural zones of the

municipalities of El Progreso, Yoro,

Yorito, Santa Rita, El Negrito, Morazán

and Victoria (Department of Yoro), San

Manuel, Omoa, Villanueva, Potrerillos, La

Lima, Pimienta and Puerto Cortés

(Department of Cortés) and Tela

(Department of Atlántida), leaving

approximately 50,000 people, of which

25,000 children, with no access to safe

water. The Association of Municipalities

of Honduras reports damage in water

systems of 49 municipalities. Sanitation

facilities in the flooded areas, mainly

latrines, have collapsed and contaminated

the wells, exposing communities to

epidemics outbreaks (cholera, malaria and

dengue which are endemic to the area).

Rural communities in the western part of

the country, including the departments of

Santa Barbara and Copán, and the

Department of Olancho in the Eastern part

of the Department, are without access to

safe drinking water. Municipalities have

been distributing drinking water through

water tank trucks; however their financial

resources are diminishing.

Attachments:

Full_Report.pdf:

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/retrieveattachments?openagent&docid=2E3C7D75DF10858C8525750400793164&file=Full_Report.pdf

Honduras and Central America: Floods OCHA Situation Report No. 9

Source:

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

This situation report is based on information received from, the UN Emergency Technical Team (UNETT) in the affected countries, the Regional Office in Panama and the National Hurricane Centre.

HIGHLIGHTS

- Honduras and Guatemala are experiencing an intense

rainy season, surpassing the precipitation levels

generated by Hurricane Mitch ten years ago.

- The Flash Appeal for Honduras is only 10% funded

and urgent support is required as some 322,000

persons are still in need of humanitarian

assistance.

- In Guatemala, the number of affected persons has

reached 180,000. Donors are encouraged to respond to

the appeal for assistance by the Government of

Guatemala launched on 3 November.

SITUATION

1. Tropical Depression No. 16 made landfall in

northern Honduras on 16 October and has been slowly

crossing over Central America causing heavy rains

from northern Costa Rica to south-eastern Mexico.

The system affected the countries of Costa Rica,

Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and

Guatemala with heavy rains which led to flooding and

mudslides. In addition to a cold front over the

region, tropical depression 17, then Paloma, has

formed last week and has further affected Honduras.

HONDURAS

2. Due to a series of meteorological events

(Tropical Depression 16, low depression and swell),

the Government of Honduras had declared a state of

emergency on 19 October and formally requested

humanitarian assistance on 20 October. In view of

Tropical Depression 17, COPECO had declared the Red

Alert in the Departments of Cabo de Gracias de Dios,

in the North of Olancho, in the oriental part of

Colon, as well as in the municipalities of Corquin,

Cucuyagua, Copan, Belen Gualcho, in Ocotepeque.

3. As the soil is already saturated, notably also as

a result of a cold front over Honduras and

additional rains, the humanitarian situation is

constantly evolving. The Resident Coordinator has

reporting that the number of persons affected has

increased to 320,000, with over 70,000 in need of

shelter. Sixty persons lost their lives. The number

of persons in need of food assistance is also

increasing and some 50,000 persons could not be

accessed as they remain in isolated communities.

Some 100,000 of the affected populations have no

access to safe drinking water, of which 35,000 are

children. Approximately 51,000 children are not

attending schools, as around 300 schools are used as

shelters. Some 233 education centres have no

electricity or water and need to be repaired.

4. COPECO is coordinating relief activities and

continues its distribution of humanitarian aid to

all those affected due to the heavy rains. Shelter,

food and water and sanitation, as well as

rehabilitation of houses and agriculture are a

priority. Public health is an area of concern as

wells were contaminated due to landslides. Malaria

and cholera are endemic in the region however no

outbreaks were reported. Gastrointestinal diseases

and acute respiratory infections are also a concern.

Psychosocial support is required especially for

children. Early recovery will also be needed to

generate economic activities in the affected areas

and rebuild houses. For those previously affected,

returns are difficult as the population often finds

their homes flooded or in need of rehabilitation.

Hence the situation in shelters remains very fluid.

5. The Government is preparing a recovery and

rehabilitation plan that has been developed, taking

into account the support on early recovery requested

under the Flash Appeal.

6. The Flash Appeal is requesting USD 17 million to

urgently assist those affected with food, health,

shelter, water and sanitation, education and early

recovery assistance for the next six months. It is

only 10% funded, including funds received from the

CERF (USD 1,501,344).

7. UNICEF assistance for this emergency totals USD

716,000. WFP delivered more than 370 MT of food aid

to assist nearly 16,000 of the most vulnerable

families living in shelters in isolated areas. In

coordination with the National Authorities, WFP has

provided food to affected population with a 50 MT of

food aid already prepositioned. So far 3,482

families have received a 10 days ration of food

assistance.

8. WHO is reprogramming regular funds in order to

mobilize medical teams and to purchase emergency and

general medicines. PAHO/WHO has also mobilized

regional experts in water and sanitation, disaster

management and the SUMA deployment. UNFPA is working

with the Ministry of Health. Christian Aid is

carrying out emergency relief in Honduras. IOM is

carrying out distributions of NFIs in shelters to

improve shelters conditions and on resttelments with

the Governement. IOM, UNICEF and WHO will carry out

psycho social support programmes for the vulnerable

groups affected by the floods.

9. OCHA Regional Office in Panama has deployed its

Disaster Response Advisor to assist the UNDAC team

in its hand over and on coordination issues as the

Team departed on 7 November. The Joint UNEP/OCHA

Environment Unit, in cooperation with the Swedish

Rescue Services Agency, has deployed a team of

geologists to Honduras to start cooperating with the

authorities in identifying risk zones from land- and

mudslides. The risk of further death and injury from

landslides is high, following the saturation of

slopes caused by the heavy rains .This deployment

follows a recommendation from the UNDAC team, as a

subsequent request from the competent authorities

(COPECO). The team will work closely with UNDP and

COPECO and will make on-site recommendations to the

authorities on mitigation measures.

10. The Resident Coordinator is working towards

formalizing a Humanitarian Country Team. IOM has

dispatched an expert in shelter; BCPR, FAO, WFP,

UNICEF and UNDP sent technical personnel, while UNDP

has provided USD 150,000 in cash contribution.

GUATEMALA

11. In Guatemala, according to the CONRED, more than

15 days of consecutive rains as a result of Tropical

Depression 16 have claimed the lives of 17 persons,

affected 30,000 families (or 180,000 persons) ,

destroyed 67,000 hectares of land, contaminated many

wells and inflicted serious damage to the

infrastructure. Approximately 10,674 families are in

shelter; 38 schools, 73 bridges, 70 roads and 6

health centres have been affected. The effects of

Tropical Depression 16 have affected the whole

country, with Alta Verapaz, El Peten, Izabal, and

Quiche, the most directly impacted. Some 27

municipalities in these departments were declared

under a State of emergency. The departments and

their affected counties are among the poorest of the

country, with a human development index (HDI) lower

than the national average. The population

predominantly lives in rural areas, with high

percentages of indigenous population, and limited

access to basic social services. Rains affected 57%

of the national territory. Some communities remain

inaccessible.

12. The affected area is the principal producer of

basic grains in Guatemala, mainly producing corn,

rice, bean, and large banana plantations. According

to the Ministry of Agriculture some 67,119 hectare

were damaged with an approximated loss of Quetzals

19,336,344 (USD 2,613,019.00). In the month of May,

with the beginning of the rainy season, more than

65% of the production was lost due to flooding. With

Tropical Depression No. 16, more than 80% of the

production of basic grains of the second crop was

lost. As a result, the affected population will not

have enough food for the next three months and a

rise in food prices is expected, worsening the

chronic food insecurity in Guatemala. The damage to

infrastructure, with 2,000 roads affected, and

health centers equipment is affecting the capability

to care for the needs of the affected population.

13. The President Alvaro Colom has assigned

approximately USD 6.5 million to respond to the

crisis. The Vice President has requested

international assistance on 3 November (see

http://www.conred.org.gt) amounting to Quetzals 500

million (or USD 66 million) for water and

sanitation, health, protection (psychological

support), agriculture and early recovery. The

priority needs are for water and sanitation, health,

food security and nutrition, protection of the

vulnerable population (psychological support and

protection of women and children) and rehabilitation

of the agriculture sector. Various NFIs such as

cooking kits, clothes, mattresses, household items

and agricultural utensils and tools are needed.

14. The CONRED is mobilizing its immediate response

teams in the various affected municipalities and is

coordinating the response. The ministries of Health,

Public Works and Agriculture are assessing the

damages and the financial costs in the affected

areas. The humanitarian partners are closely

coordinating with the Government at the central and

local levels. UN and NGOs Assessments team are

carrying out aerial joint assessments on 3 and 4

November. Sectoral tables are working well according

to the Humanitarian Network Contingency Plan

(Health, WASH, Food security and nutrition,

Protection). A CERF application was prepared by the

UN and partners through the Humanitarian Network

(IASC Country team) and is being reviewed by the

Emergency Relief Coordinator. WFP has already

delivered 80 MT of food covering 22,000 families.

The Humanitarian network, including NGOs such as

Mercy Corps, CARE, CRS, OXFAM, Save the Children as

well as the Red Cross are distributing relief items

in the affected areas while carrying out additional

damage assessments. Regular coordination meetings

are held with all partners and donors. The Spanish

Cooperation Agency AECDI has allocated EURO 50,000

to respond to the Government appeal.

Honduras and Central America: Floods OCHA Situation Report No. 9

Source:

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

This situation report is based on information received from, the UN Emergency Technical Team (UNETT) in the affected countries, the Regional Office in Panama and the National Hurricane Centre.

HIGHLIGHTS

- Honduras and Guatemala are experiencing an intense

rainy season, surpassing the precipitation levels

generated by Hurricane Mitch ten years ago.

- The Flash Appeal for Honduras is only 10% funded

and urgent support is required as some 322,000

persons are still in need of humanitarian

assistance.

- In Guatemala, the number of affected persons has

reached 180,000. Donors are encouraged to respond to

the appeal for assistance by the Government of

Guatemala launched on 3 November.

SITUATION

1. Tropical Depression No. 16 made landfall in

northern Honduras on 16 October and has been slowly

crossing over Central America causing heavy rains

from northern Costa Rica to south-eastern Mexico.

The system affected the countries of Costa Rica,

Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and

Guatemala with heavy rains which led to flooding and

mudslides. In addition to a cold front over the

region, tropical depression 17, then Paloma, has

formed last week and has further affected Honduras.

HONDURAS

2. Due to a series of meteorological events

(Tropical Depression 16, low depression and swell),

the Government of Honduras had declared a state of

emergency on 19 October and formally requested

humanitarian assistance on 20 October. In view of

Tropical Depression 17, COPECO had declared the Red

Alert in the Departments of Cabo de Gracias de Dios,

in the North of Olancho, in the oriental part of

Colon, as well as in the municipalities of Corquin,

Cucuyagua, Copan, Belen Gualcho, in Ocotepeque.

3. As the soil is already saturated, notably also as

a result of a cold front over Honduras and

additional rains, the humanitarian situation is

constantly evolving. The Resident Coordinator has

reporting that the number of persons affected has

increased to 320,000, with over 70,000 in need of

shelter. Sixty persons lost their lives. The number

of persons in need of food assistance is also

increasing and some 50,000 persons could not be

accessed as they remain in isolated communities.

Some 100,000 of the affected populations have no

access to safe drinking water, of which 35,000 are

children. Approximately 51,000 children are not

attending schools, as around 300 schools are used as

shelters. Some 233 education centres have no

electricity or water and need to be repaired.

4. COPECO is coordinating relief activities and

continues its distribution of humanitarian aid to

all those affected due to the heavy rains. Shelter,

food and water and sanitation, as well as

rehabilitation of houses and agriculture are a

priority. Public health is an area of concern as

wells were contaminated due to landslides. Malaria

and cholera are endemic in the region however no

outbreaks were reported. Gastrointestinal diseases

and acute respiratory infections are also a concern.

Psychosocial support is required especially for

children. Early recovery will also be needed to

generate economic activities in the affected areas

and rebuild houses. For those previously affected,

returns are difficult as the population often finds

their homes flooded or in need of rehabilitation.

Hence the situation in shelters remains very fluid.

5. The Government is preparing a recovery and

rehabilitation plan that has been developed, taking

into account the support on early recovery requested

under the Flash Appeal.

6. The Flash Appeal is requesting USD 17 million to

urgently assist those affected with food, health,

shelter, water and sanitation, education and early

recovery assistance for the next six months. It is

only 10% funded, including funds received from the

CERF (USD 1,501,344).

7. UNICEF assistance for this emergency totals USD

716,000. WFP delivered more than 370 MT of food aid

to assist nearly 16,000 of the most vulnerable

families living in shelters in isolated areas. In

coordination with the National Authorities, WFP has

provided food to affected population with a 50 MT of

food aid already prepositioned. So far 3,482

families have received a 10 days ration of food

assistance.

8. WHO is reprogramming regular funds in order to

mobilize medical teams and to purchase emergency and

general medicines. PAHO/WHO has also mobilized

regional experts in water and sanitation, disaster

management and the SUMA deployment. UNFPA is working

with the Ministry of Health. Christian Aid is

carrying out emergency relief in Honduras. IOM is

carrying out distributions of NFIs in shelters to

improve shelters conditions and on resttelments with

the Governement. IOM, UNICEF and WHO will carry out

psycho social support programmes for the vulnerable

groups affected by the floods.

9. OCHA Regional Office in Panama has deployed its

Disaster Response Advisor to assist the UNDAC team

in its hand over and on coordination issues as the

Team departed on 7 November. The Joint UNEP/OCHA

Environment Unit, in cooperation with the Swedish

Rescue Services Agency, has deployed a team of

geologists to Honduras to start cooperating with the

authorities in identifying risk zones from land- and

mudslides. The risk of further death and injury from

landslides is high, following the saturation of

slopes caused by the heavy rains .This deployment

follows a recommendation from the UNDAC team, as a

subsequent request from the competent authorities

(COPECO). The team will work closely with UNDP and

COPECO and will make on-site recommendations to the

authorities on mitigation measures.

10. The Resident Coordinator is working towards

formalizing a Humanitarian Country Team. IOM has

dispatched an expert in shelter; BCPR, FAO, WFP,

UNICEF and UNDP sent technical personnel, while UNDP

has provided USD 150,000 in cash contribution.

GUATEMALA

11. In Guatemala, according to the CONRED, more than

15 days of consecutive rains as a result of Tropical

Depression 16 have claimed the lives of 17 persons,

affected 30,000 families (or 180,000 persons) ,

destroyed 67,000 hectares of land, contaminated many

wells and inflicted serious damage to the

infrastructure. Approximately 10,674 families are in

shelter; 38 schools, 73 bridges, 70 roads and 6

health centres have been affected. The effects of

Tropical Depression 16 have affected the whole

country, with Alta Verapaz, El Peten, Izabal, and

Quiche, the most directly impacted. Some 27

municipalities in these departments were declared

under a State of emergency. The departments and

their affected counties are among the poorest of the

country, with a human development index (HDI) lower

than the national average. The population

predominantly lives in rural areas, with high

percentages of indigenous population, and limited

access to basic social services. Rains affected 57%

of the national territory. Some communities remain

inaccessible.

12. The affected area is the principal producer of

basic grains in Guatemala, mainly producing corn,

rice, bean, and large banana plantations. According

to the Ministry of Agriculture some 67,119 hectare

were damaged with an approximated loss of Quetzals

19,336,344 (USD 2,613,019.00). In the month of May,

with the beginning of the rainy season, more than

65% of the production was lost due to flooding. With

Tropical Depression No. 16, more than 80% of the

production of basic grains of the second crop was

lost. As a result, the affected population will not

have enough food for the next three months and a

rise in food prices is expected, worsening the

chronic food insecurity in Guatemala. The damage to

infrastructure, with 2,000 roads affected, and

health centers equipment is affecting the capability

to care for the needs of the affected population.

13. The President Alvaro Colom has assigned

approximately USD 6.5 million to respond to the

crisis. The Vice President has requested

international assistance on 3 November (see

http://www.conred.org.gt) amounting to Quetzals 500

million (or USD 66 million) for water and

sanitation, health, protection (psychological

support), agriculture and early recovery. The

priority needs are for water and sanitation, health,

food security and nutrition, protection of the

vulnerable population (psychological support and

protection of women and children) and rehabilitation

of the agriculture sector. Various NFIs such as

cooking kits, clothes, mattresses, household items

and agricultural utensils and tools are needed.

14. The CONRED is mobilizing its immediate response

teams in the various affected municipalities and is

coordinating the response. The ministries of Health,

Public Works and Agriculture are assessing the

damages and the financial costs in the affected

areas. The humanitarian partners are closely

coordinating with the Government at the central and

local levels. UN and NGOs Assessments team are

carrying out aerial joint assessments on 3 and 4

November. Sectoral tables are working well according

to the Humanitarian Network Contingency Plan

(Health, WASH, Food security and nutrition,

Protection). A CERF application was prepared by the

UN and partners through the Humanitarian Network

(IASC Country team) and is being reviewed by the

Emergency Relief Coordinator. WFP has already

delivered 80 MT of food covering 22,000 families.

The Humanitarian network, including NGOs such as

Mercy Corps, CARE, CRS, OXFAM, Save the Children as

well as the Red Cross are distributing relief items

in the affected areas while carrying out additional

damage assessments. Regular coordination meetings

are held with all partners and donors. The Spanish

Cooperation Agency AECDI has allocated EURO 50,000

to respond to the Government appeal.

Attachments:

Full_Report.pdf:

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/retrieveattachments?openagent&docid=2749A0E1FCFDE860492574FF00073613&file=Full_Report.pdf

ReliefWeb Natural Disasters Notification: Colombia: Volcanoes Information Bulletin No. 1

The following new Natural Disasters Notification has been posted on ReliefWeb

Source: IFRC

This bulletin is being issued for information only.

On 9 November 2008, several seismic events

were felt in the eastern sector of the

Machin volcano, located in the municipality

of Cajamarca in the central department of

Tolima.

The Colombian Red Cross Society, with the

support of the Federation, has determined

that external assistance is not required at

this moment since need and damage

assessments are still being carried out.

The Situation

On Sunday, 9 November approximately 375

tremors were felt near the Machin volcano

in the department of Tolima. The tremors

have a depth between 2.5 to 5 kilometres.

The strongest felt tremor measured 3.4 on

the Richter scale. The people living near

the Machin volcano reported changes in ash

clouds, cracks on the ground and damages to

homes. The Machin volcano is currently at

level three (yellow alert) and it is

considered to be the most dangerous volcano

in Colombia.

The Nevado del Huila volcano has also been

demonstrating an increase in activity since

7 November. During the past two days a

total of 3,290 tremors were registered, of

these 1,967 occurred in the past 20 hours.

The Colombian air force flew over the Huila

volcano along with the Colombian National

Police and noticed a continuous emission of

gases and ashes towards the surface.

Currently, the Nevado del Huila volcano is

at level two (orange alert), which means a

probable eruption can be expected in the

next days or weeks.

The Colombian Mining and Geology Institute

(Instituto Colombiano de Mineria y Geologia

- INGEOMINAS) has been following the events

closely in order to report any changes on

the volcanoes’ activities. All the local

emergency committees have been activated in

the area near Machin volcano and the

regional emergency committees in Tolima,

Quindio and Cundinamarca are following the

situation closely.

The Colombian National Direction for the

Prevention and Attention to Disasters is

permanently monitoring the Del Huila

volcano through the Colombian Civil

Defence, Fire department and the Colombian

Red Cross Society (CRCS). Other agencies

including the National Police, INGEOMINAS

and the Social Protection System have also

been monitoring the situation.

Red Cross and Red Crescent action

The Colombian Red Cross Society, since the

beginning of these two volcanic events has

activated the contingency plan in the areas

of Tolima, Cauca, Huila, Valle Caldas,

Quindio and Cundinamarca. The American Red

Cross provided the National Society with a

satellite phone to evaluate the affected

zone in Tolima. The local branch in Tolima

with support from the National System for

the Prevention and Attention to Disasters

is elaborating damage and needs assessment

to verify the conditions of the families

affected.

A shelter was opened in coordination with

the Disaster Attention Prevention Committee

(Comite de Atencion y Prevencion a

Desastres – CLOPAD). The local branch in

Tolima provided basic relief items

including 100 food parcels, 100 comforters,

17 mattresses, 50 sheets, 70 blankets, 100

hygiene kits and one 2,000 liter water

tank. There are six volunteers who assist

in the shelter per shift. Additionally, the

CRCS has an all terrain vehicle available

to be used in the emergency.

The local branch in Cauca activated the

early alert system as well as the National

Internvention Teams (NIT) in the areas near

the Huila volcano. The local branch in

Cauca has personnel and equipment available

in case the situation worsens and is

closely monitoring the volcano’s activity

through the mud flow sensors and a

seismograph machine. The local branches of

Cauca, Belalcazar, Huila, Valle and Tolima

have a total of 84 relief volunteers’ and16

temporary shelters in coordination with the

CRCS headquarters.

The International Federation, through the

Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU)

and the Regional Representation for Andean

countries in Lima, have been in close

contact with the CRCS and are on standby to

provide support if needed. A PADRU Water

and Sanitation officer is currently in the

country and will provide assistance to the

National Society if required.

The Colombian Red Cross Society will

continue to respond to the current

situation and closely monitor and prepare

for any further developments.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * *

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