ANGOLA: FLOODING KILLS 46, POOR SANITATION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LUANDA 000067 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE PASS TO USAID STATE FOR AF AND AF/S; CA/OCS USAID FOR DCHA/OFDA FOR KLUU, GGOTTLIEB, AFERRARA, AND CPRATT USAID FOR AFR/SA FOR IMCNAIRN, ELOKEN USAID FOR PRETORIA/OFDA FOR HHALE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL TBIO CASC EAID AO SUBJECT: ANGOLA: FLOODING KILLS 46, POOR SANITATION THREATENS MILLIONS REF: LUANDA 055 ¶1. (U) Summary: At least 46 people are dead and 22 missing following heavy rains and flooding in Luanda Province on January 22, 2007. Preliminary reports show severe flooding and damage in several municipalities, but no large-scale loss of life. However, several bridges either collapsed or were washed away, isolating tens of thousands of people. The threat of additional destruction remains as more rains are predicted, but the overriding concern is the danger of an outbreak of waterborne diseases, such as cholera. President dos Santos expressed his appreciation for the prompt offer of possible USG aid and the GRA has indicated its need for items such as large military tents, mosquito nets, cots, medical supplies, cisterns, and plastic sheeting. Embassy officials are discussing possible responses with several USG agencies. End Summary Floods Threaten Lives In Short and Long Term -------------- ¶2. (U) Over 8 hours of heavy rain caused severe flooding and extensive damage throughout Luanda Province. Early reports place the death toll at 46, with at least 22 people reported missing in the chaos that followed the water's rapid pre-dawn rise. Hundreds of families were left homeless after more than 800 houses were flooded or destroyed when rainfall and mud quickly overpowered the antiquated sewage system of colonial-era pipes and trash-clogged drainage ditches. Five bridges are reportedly destroyed or damaged, severely restricting access to the Nova Vida and Samba areas of Luanda and completely isolating the municipality of Cacuaco (approximately 40,000-50,000 inhabitants),northeast of Luanda. Mudslides temporarily closed some roads. Cacuaco, Sambizango, Samba, Viana and Cazenga are among the most affected municipalities. Heavy rains have also destroyed some houses in the Provinces of Bengo and Huambo, but there has been no loss of life. ¶3. (U) Additional rainfall is expected during the week, threatening houses on already waterlogged hillsides. Government and industry contacts have expressed serious concern over the serious health threat posed by trash and sewage-contaminated water, and many fear a rapid increase in the infection rate of cholera and other diarrheal diseases. Note: Over 200 cases of cholera were confirmed in Luanda from 1 - 22 January 2007, with 12 deaths. End Note. GRA Requests USG Assistance -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Minister of External Relations Joao Bernardo Miranda and Vice Minister Jorge Chicoty jointly met with Ambassador Efird on January 23, 2007, to express President dos Santos' appreciation for USG initiative in its prompt offer to consider requests for assistance. Miranda called the situation "dramatic" and articulated the government's concern about sanitation and the spread of disease. Miranda and Ambassador Efird agreed that it was most effective for the GRA to work to coordinate its aid requests to the international community to avoid duplication of efforts. Ambassador Efird requested a contact for the Embassy's "technical team;" Chicoty called confirming a meeting with the Governor of Luanda's strategic planning committee later that day. ¶5. (SBU) An Embassy team later met with these Provincial Government authorities, including the Directors of Planning and Health, who believe that four million of the province's six million inhabitants are at risk for waterborne disease in this year's rainy season. Embassy officials received the Provincial Government's very specific list of items needed, which includes large military tents, cots, plastic sheeting and food for temporary shelters, medical supplies, mosquito nets, and cisterns to combat the spread of disease, and heavy industrial equipment to clear wreckage and drainage ditches. Director of Planning Gabriel Leitao said that tents and food supplies are not available from the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) or the Ministry of Interior, as their supplies have been used to support the recent influx of returnees from Zambia and the housing of ex-FLEC soldiers. GRA Responds to Crisis -------------- LUANDA 00000067 002 OF 002 ¶6. (U) Bulldozers started clearing mudslides as soon as the rain eased, and news reports showed Government, Police, and Angolan military officials in affected regions assessing damage. The FAA and Ministry of Public Works announced plans to erect temporary metal bridges to restore access to some areas. Provincial Government authorities are working to evacuate residents in high-risk areas along water basins, and have asked citizens in these areas to voluntarily relocate. Plans were announced to open emergency aid shelters for flood victims in nine municipalities, and the Provincial Government is expanding the capacity of its nine municipal cholera treatment centers to 100 beds each. The GRA has not issued an emergency declaration, but has convened an Inter-Ministerial Commission, which is chaired by Minister of Interior, Roberto Leal Ramos Monteiro &Ngongo,8 and includes representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Defense, Health, and Social Reinsertion, to oversee the national response. This commission will present its assessment and plans to the Council of Ministers on January 24th. Amcits Not Affected -------------- ¶7. (U) The Embassy issued a warden message on January 23rd advising American Citizens to stockpile a two-week supply of food, potable water, etc. in case of the need to "shelter in place," as more rains are predicted. No American citizens have contacted the Embassy for assistance at this time. The RSO remains in contact with the Overseas Advisory Security Council, which has no reports of damage to US-affiliated businesses, schools, or NGOs. The DAO remains in contact with FAA officials to explore possible areas of mil-mil cooperation in disaster response. ¶8. (U) The Embassy is back at full operation following Monday's administrative leave day. Seven residences report storm related damage, and the Embassy is taking advantage of a break in the rains to check generators, fuel and water. The EAC has been convened and continues to manage and monitor flood-related issues. ¶9. (SBU) Comment: The underlying problems that have precipitated this crisis are not new and require not only immediate relief for victims but also long term planning and development to resolve. Regardless, given the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's forecast of above-average rainfall for the Luanda area during the 2007 rainy season, the current crisis could quickly escalate. Near-term USG assistance, such as in the provision of large tents and cots, would reduce suffering for displaced persons. Longer term interventions should focus on assistance that would help to contain the potential explosion in cholera incidence rates. Embassy Angola therefore will request specific immediate assistance from USAID and EUCOM following additional consultations with international NGOs and other members of the international community. End Comment EFIRD