FY 2010 Renewal of Disaster Declaration for Flooding in

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NIAMEY 000795 SIPDIS AIDAC DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, AND AF/PDPA PLS PASS USAID AFR/WA FOR NFREEMAN, LDOORES-FENDELL, GBERTOLIN OFDA/W FOR ACONVERY, CCHAN, FSHANKS, MSHIRLEY, JMCINTOSH FFP/W FOR JBORNS, ASINK, TMCRAE ACRA ALSO FOR AFR/WA DAKAR FOR RDAVIS GENEVA FOR NKYLOH ROME FOR US MISSION RNEWBERG, HSPANOS BRUSSELS FOR USAID PBROWN NEW YORK FOR DMERCADO NSC FOR CPRATT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID EAGR PREL PHUM PGOV NG SUBJECT: FY 2010 Renewal of Disaster Declaration for Flooding in Niger REFS: A) NIAMEY 00669, B) NIAMEY 00791 NIAMEY 00000795 001.2 OF 002 -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. SUMMARY. On September 16, post declared a disaster due to the effects of severe flooding on September 2 in the northern city of Agadez and surrounding rural areas (ref A). In response, the USG has provided nearly USD 88,000 in emergency assistance to date, including USD 50,000 from USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) and nearly USD 38,000 from USAID's Office of Food for Peace (USAID/FFP). However, potential Government of Niger (GoN) action to raze damaged buildings and prohibit reconstruction in flood-affected areas of Agadez city could result in further displacements, necessitating additional humanitarian assistance in the weeks and months to come. In addition, GoN security restrictions in the region outside Agadez city are currently impeding provision of emergency assistance to flood-affected populations in rural areas. Accordingly, post re-declares a disaster for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 due to ongoing and potentially increased humanitarian needs. END SUMMARY. -------------- CURRENT HUMANITARIAN CONDITIONS -------------- ¶2. On September 16, post declared a disaster due to the effects of severe flooding on September 2 in the northern city of Agadez and surrounding rural areas (ref A). The GoN estimates that the floods affected approximately 79,000 individuals, including 42,000 people in Agadez city and 37,000 people in three nearby rural communes. (Note: Relief agencies believe the GoN's flood-affected figures overestimate actual numbers. End note.) Current response efforts appear to be meeting the immediate basic humanitarian needs of flood-affected populations in Agadez city, including the 850 displaced families sheltering in schools and public buildings. The GoN is currently relocating 731 of these families to new sites. During a recent assessment (ref B),USAID/OFDA staff observed GoN authorities and relief agencies preparing shelter and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities at the new sites -------------- POTENTIAL NEW HUMANITARIAN NEEDS -------------- ¶3. However, many flood-affected populations in Agadez city did not choose refuge in schools or public buildings, and chose instead to remain in damaged homes, shelter with host families, or erect makeshift shelters on the land where their homes previously stood. USAID/OFDA staff have recently learned from the U.N. Resident Coordinator that the GoN plans to raze flood-affected areas of Agadez city and may prohibit any reconstruction in flood-prone neighborhoods. Such actions would likely result in new displacements and an increase in humanitarian needs. ¶4. Outside Agadez city, GoN security restrictions resulting from ongoing conflict with Tuareg rebels are currently impeding provision of emergency assistance to flood-affected populations in the rural communes of Dabaga, Tchirozerine, and Tabelot. Following an assessment in the communes from September 14 - 16, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N. (FAO) reported the need for restoration of agricultural capacity, particularly since the planting season is scheduled to start in early October. However, to date, relief agencies have only been able to provide initial emergency food aid to the approximately 37,000 flood-affected people in the three rural communes. -------------- USG EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO DATE NIAMEY 00000795 002.2 OF 002 -------------- ¶5. To date, the USG has provided nearly USD 88,000 in emergency assistance in response to the floods, including USD 50,000 from USAID/OFDA and nearly USD 38,000 from USAID/FFP. USAID/OFDA provided USD 50,000 through post to Mercy Corps International for WASH activities benefiting flood-affected populations. In addition, USAID/FFP granted approval to Africare to redirect 28 metric tons of USAID/FFP-funded emergency food assistance, valued at nearly USD 38,000, for flood-affected populations. Following the recent assessment trip to Agadez city, USAID/OFDA staff recommended providing modest additional humanitarian assistance and coordinating closely with other donors to ensure the maximum impact of any additional assistance (ref B). -------------- RENEWAL OF DISASTER DECLARATION FOR FY 2010 -------------- ¶6. Given the scope of ongoing and potentially increased humanitarian needs, and pursuant to Section 062, Volume 2, of the Foreign Affairs Manual and USAID ADS 251, post hereby renews the disaster declaration for floods for FY 2010. Post finds that it is in the best interests of the USG to provide continued assistance in response to the disaster and that it is beyond the capacity of the host government to provide adequate support to flood-affected and displaced people. In addition, post has determined that the GoN will accept additional USG assistance within the context of ongoing relief activities coordinated by the GoN. USAID/OFDA staff will continue to assess humanitarian conditions and the potential need for additional assistance in the weeks and months to come. WHITAKER