COMOROS DISASTER DECLARATION - WIDESPREAD FLOODING FROM

UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 000331

AIDAC

STATE FOR USAID/W AFR/SA, ELOKEN, LDOBBINS, HIRSCH, HARMON
STATE FOR OFDA/W, KLUU, ACONVERY, LPOWERS, TDENYSENKO
STATE FOR FFP/W, JBORNS, ASINK, LPETERSEN, JTAYLOR
STATE FOR AFR/EA, AMARCUS
STATE FOR AF/E, LMORIORATY, MOKEEFE
PRETORIA FOR USAID/OFDA, HHALE, PDISKIN, SMCNIVEN
GENEVA FOR NKYLOH
ROME FOR USUN FODAG FOR RNEWBERG
BRUSSELS FOR USAID PBROWN
NEW YORK FOR DMERCADO
NSC FOR CPRATT
ATLANTA FOR THANDZEL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR PREL PHUM PGOV ZI
SUBJECT: COMOROS DISASTER DECLARATION - WIDESPREAD FLOODING FROM
EXCESSIVE RAINFALL


1. This is an Action Cable. See para 2 and 5 for action required.

SUMMARY:


2. Unseasonably heavy and sustained rains in the Comoros from late
March to mid-April caused extensive damage to buildings,
infrastructure, and crops. The Government of the Union of the
Comoros has declared an official disaster in 41 villages across all
three islands - the total affected population is estimated over
100,000 people. Based on the wide-spread extent of the damage to
the Union of the Comoros and the government's declaration of
disaster including a request for international assistance, it is in
the interest of the US government to assist the Union of Comoros
with humanitarian assistance. As such, this cable is a Disaster
Declaration and post request USAID/OFDA to provide USD 50,000 for
immediate disaster assistance. Post will provide these funds to
UNDP/Comoros, who is coordinating all international assistance and
will indicate that water, sanitation and hygiene should be a
priority for the use of these funds.

END SUMMARY

SITUATION:


3. Unseasonably heavy rainfall occurred throughout the Comoros
archipelago from late March to mid-April, resulting in severe
localized flooding throughout the country. Initial assessments found
over 500 families had been displaced from their homes, most of which
are now staying with host families. Immediate needs include food
aid and hygiene for displaced families and safe drinking water in
many communities where cisterns were polluted. At least 15 bridges
and many roads have been washed out or damaged, cutting of dozens
remote communities.


4. The GOC has estimated the cost to provide emergency basic needs
response to affected populations at USD 1.18 million to help
displaced families relocate and to provide them cooking kits and
food. To avert possible public health crises from unsafe drinking
water, like cholera, the GOC also plans an emergency health and
sanitation intervention at a cost of USD 247,000 to clean/refill
cisterns, fund supplies for basic sanitation and clean-up, and
hygiene/washing-up kits. In the longer term, the GOC with help from
donors will seek to repair and replace destroyed infrastructure and
homes at a cost of up to USD three million.


5. The GOC Civil Protection Unit and Planning Commissioner have
jointly taken the lead on assessment and emergency response; UNDP is
coordinating international interventions in response to flooding
damage. The Comoran Red Crescent and French Red Cross are also
participating in relief efforts. The Chinese, South Africans, and
UNICEF have already pledged to assist Comorans to respond to flood
damage.

ACTION REQUIRED:


6. The Chief of Mission has determined that the disaster in the
Comoros is of sufficient magnitude to warrant U.S. Government
assistance and is therefore exercising the disaster assistance
authority of USD 50,000 for emergency response. Post will provide
this funding to UNDP, acting as coordinator of all international
assistance, and will prioritize water and sanitation activities to
be undertaken. Post will monitor the situation and depending on the
extent of additional donor and GOC contributions and any remaining
gaps, post will coordinate with USAID/OFDA's regional office in
Pretoria, South Africa, to determine whether and in what form any
additional assistance may be required.

MARQUARDT