MAURITANIAN DISASTER DECLARATION CABLE: HEAVY

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NOUAKCHOTT 000574 AIDAC SIPDIS DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS TO OFDA DAKAR FOR OFDA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID MR SOCI SUBJECT: MAURITANIAN DISASTER DECLARATION CABLE: HEAVY RAINS CAUSE SEVERE FLOODING IN SOUTHERN MAURITANIA ¶1. Pursuant to the authority stated in Section 062, Volume 2 of the Foreign Affairs Manual, and in accordance with OFDA's mandate to save lives, alleviate suffering and reduce the economic impact of disasters, I, Ambassador Mark Boulware, have determined that Mauritania is suffering from a disaster that is beyond the emergency response capacity of national and local authorities in southern Mauritania, particularly the city of Rosso. ¶2. The human suffering in Rosso and surrounding villages is particularly acute after the most recent floods, and could potentially worsen if predicted rains continue. A joint U.S. Embassy and UN mission conducted a field assessment in Rosso and the Mauritanian government is still evaluating the situation. The areas hardest hit by the floods are some of the poorest areas in Mauritania. The GIRM is challenged to meet the basic needs of residents of these areas under normal conditions, and will not be capable of rapidly and sufficiently meeting the most pressing basic needs of those relocated to temporary evacuation camps. The floods in Rosso occured during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a time when Muslims are encouraged to help the less-fortunate in society. This aid request is an opportunity for the USG to engage in an act of generosity during a time when it will be particularly well-received by Muslim Mauritanians. After discussions with the Office of the Prime Minister, Post received notification from Alioune Ould Issa, the Director of the Prime Minister's Cabinet, agreeing on behalf of the GIRM to accept the USG assistance outlined below. ¶3. Preliminary data indicate that: -- 174 mm of rain fell on Rosso between August 27-28, 2009, with forecasts for moderate rainfall in the next few days -- Over 2,000 families (10,000 individuals) in Rosso have been displaced and relocated to camps. -- Many neighborhoods are flooded, including: 75% of Sattara, 90-95% or Rosso-Lycee, and 70% of Rosso-El Jedida -- Camps for the displaced persons are ill-equipped to handle the number of residents, with the spread of disease and the prospect of food and clean water shortages looming in the immediate future. -- The U.S. Embassy and UN team noted the lack of waste management facilities in the camps. -- Reports from Selibaby and other areas in southern Mauritania are still being prepared. Access to smaller villages is difficult as local dykes were overwhelmed and local bridges and roadways were washed away. ¶4. UNICEF has drafted a plan to address sanitation needs in the region hardest hit by the floods. UNICEF is ready to commence work within 48 hours if they receive the necessary funding. UNICEF has requested USD 25,100 from the USG to support their plans to purchase and install 25 latrines to alleviate some of the most immediate sanitation problems in the displaced persons camps of Rosso. The budget provided by UNICEF is reasonable and they have the capacity to implement this project. ¶5. Mission requests USD 25,100 as per Ambassador's authority. These funds will be issued to UNICEF for procurement of 25 latrines, disinfectant, soaps, and the transportation and installation of the latrines at the camps in Rosso. The U.S. Embassy has a strong working relationship with UNICEF and we believe they will be a competent and efficient partner in addressing the most pressing sanitation needs of those most in need. Mission will follow UNICEF's progress and ensure that funds are used appropriately. ¶6. Development partners working in the south indicate many other villages have been severely impacted by the rains with grain stocks for food and for planting often washed away. Concerns of a worsening food security situation in this region (already above 15% for moderate and severe malnutrition) lead Post to request OFDA assistance in evaluating the short to medium food security situation and developing appropriate responses. Post is aware WFP is encouraging GIRM to declare an emergency, however it is possible such a decision may be considered politically untenable for the newly elected administration. Post would appreciate technical advice to be provided to the Ambassador on how best to calibrate USG's emergency interventions as NOUAKCHOTT 00000574 002 OF 002 they relate to the floods and in particular the challenges of malnutrition. BOULWARE