Disaster Archives©2001

Past Major International Catastrophes

Updated: 4 May 2003 

This page contains critical  information for the Global EM Community

Library

Location: An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter Scale hit Mexico: epicentre was 18.89 South and 103.88 (Source: United States Geological Survey). States affected are Colima (the city of Colima situated some 500 km west of the capital, Mexico) and Jalisco. The earthquake was also felt in the states of Puebla, Tlaxcala and Mexico City.

Date and Time:  22 January 2003 02:06 (GMT) 

Situation: (OCHA):  The latest toll from the earthquake that hit western and central Mexico late Tuesday, Jan. 21, is 29 dead, 300 injured and some 30,000 homeless or with heavily damaged homes.

Government of GOM:  The Government of Mexico declared a state of emergency in five municipalities in the state of Colima, (Villa de Alvarez, Coquimatlan, Armeria, Tecoman and Colima), enabling the authorities to immediately release resources from the Fund for Natural Disasters (FONDEN), in order
to meet basic needs of the affected population.  Four temporary shelters have been set up by the Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional in La Yerbabuena.  Three temporary shelters are run by the Colima State government: two in Zacoalpa and one in the city of Colima.  Two teams from the Dirección General de Protrección Civil and the Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED) are conducting damage assessment.

International Response:   Not Requested. This situation report, together with further information on this and other ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int  Call the Church World Service HOTLINE for additional updates: (800) 297-1516.

Location:  The worst affected areas are Lezha and Shkoder in the North-West. Gjirokaster and Berat in the South-Western part of the country have also been heavily affected.  All of these prefectures have at least temporarily been cut off from electricity and water supply.

Date and Time: 21-26 September 2002  

Situation: (OCHA): After eight days (September 21 - September 29) of heavy rainfalls and resulting floods, the overall situation is improving (even though weather forecasts predict more rains in the North). The worst affected regions remain Lezhe and Shkoder in the Northwest. In Lezhe, schools are still closed. Some drainage systems were operating at a limited level even before the floods, and damaged dikes and an increased number of buildings in floodplains have contributed to the extent of damage. Currently central
Government teams are carrying out more damage assessments; results are expected within this week. There remains a concern about the safety of drinking water, especially in Lezhe prefecture. Even though clean up and repair works are progressing and main national roads have been cleared of debris and mud, several
villages can still not be accessed by road. Electricity supply remains sporadic in rural areas.  Latest figures from prefectures speak of 16,721 flooded private houses.  Out of these 262 are heavily damaged, i.e., no
longer usable, and 3,429 have experienced medium-level damage, i.e., can be put back to use. 9,700 people had to be at least temporarily evacuated from their homes and 45 people were rescued. 3,295 people remain in temporary shelter (mostly with relatives)  at this point in time with 2,500 in Lezhe alone. Overall
the number of families affected and requiring assistance is estimated at 16,721, including those whose houses have been lightly damaged.  No casualties or missing persons are reported.

Government of Albania (GOA): The Albanian Government appeals for food items such as oil, rice, pasta, sugar and flour;  and portable beds, mattresses, bed sheets, clothing, blankets and detergents. The State of Natural Disaster is still active in seven prefectures. The Albanian RC has distributed 5,690 blankets, 54 tons of wheat flour, 15 tons of conserves, 5 tons of sugar, 4 tons of vegetable oil, 10,000 pieces of soap, and 3 tons of detergent to victims. State Reserves have distributed 23,851 loaves of bread to affected cities and 316 tons of other food supplies. High-pressure cleaners, water and mud pumps, portable dryers and electric generators are needed for clean up operations. A detailed list is available upon request. Contact point is the Director of Planning and Coordination in the Ministry of Local Government: Mr. Bujar Kapllani
Ministry of Local Government and Decentralization
Tel/Fax: (355-4) 233 542
E-Mail: Ercarmen@yahoo.com 

International Response: A request for international assistance has been made by the Government. For coordination purposes, donors are requested to inform OCHA Geneva, as indicated below, on relief missions/pledges/contributions and their corresponding values by item. OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Albania and will revert with further information, as it becomes available. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int  In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Location: Southern Bohemia and other areas in the north-west of the Czech Republic 

Date and Time:  12- 13 August 2002 and Continuing

Situation: (OCHA):  The overall situation following the 12 and 13 August floods in the Czech Republic has continued to stabilize. (ACT) The Czech Republic continues to struggle against the aftermath of the
devastating floods that have been affecting the region for weeks, leaving deep scars on the country's infrastructure. The affected population of Czech Republic is slowly recovering while continuing joint endeavours to accommodate the homeless and serve the most vulnerable categories of population. Through this revision of EUCS-21 Appeal, the joint ACT operation in Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary will gain additional support from ACT members The Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB) and the
Czechoslovak Hussite Church (CCSH).

Government of Czech Republic: (ACT) The operations (first phase of the disaster) carried out by the army, firemen and other units of the Integrated Rescue System were effective and viewed positively by the majority of the population.  A total of 3,810 members of the Fire Rescue System, 12,530 voluntary and
professional fire fighters, and 7,854 soldiers and policemen were involved in the emergency response operations.  Also the level of communication and information to the inhabitants was good - this was one of the main reasons the death toll was not much higher. As the crises operations continue with removal of debris, the cleaning and drying processes it is obvious that the need is far beyond that which the
local and governmental authorities are able to provide.  The assistance of humanitarian organisations is needed urgently.  (OCHA)The Government has issued requests for both material and financial assistance and has requested OCHA to inform the international community that the bank account opened to assist victims of the emergency is with Ceska narodni banka (Czech National Bank), cislo uctu (account number) 9025-001/0710, Variabilni symbol 2002, Konstantni symbol 379 for cash payments and 558 for non-cash payments (e.g. bank tranfers).  Financial contributions will be invested into shelter repair, obtaining dryers and other humanitarian assistance. Rescue operations are coordinated by the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic and interested contributors are encouraged to direct their offers of assistance to the Czech authorities at the below contact: Ministry of Interior General Directorate of the Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic Fax: 420-2-61424035; 420-2-24232321 E-mail: rhzs.opis@grh.izscr.cz 

International Assistance:  OCHA is in close contact with the Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic in Geneva and will revert with further information, as it becomes available.  OCHA Website at http://www.reliefweb.int   In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10  ACT: ACT members in responding to the most immediate needs of flood-affected population, ACT International will release Rapid Response Funds for its members in the Czech Republic and Romania. ACT Appeals Officer, Leila Dzaferovic (phone +41 22 791 6710 or mobile phone +41 79 757 9206)

Location: Roshtqala District in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province

Date and Time:  7 August 2002 and Continuing

Situation: (OCHA): On 7 August a flash flood struck the village of Dasht close to the administrative centre of the Roshtqala District in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province.  The Prime Minister of Nepal chaired a coordination meeting on the evening of 8 August with all the organizations and government departments involved in the relief effort. The overall number of deaths was reported at 24, revised from the initial report of 28 casualties. However the infrastructural damage and destruction reported previously by the Ministry of Emergency Situations was confirmed.  501 persons are currently displaced to neighbouring villages.  Local authorities believe that the capacity to host them will not last beyond 2-3 days, as the communities in the area are extremely poor. Emergency shelter support will continue to be required until reconstruction efforts can get underway.

Government of Tajikistan: The Prime Minister was joined today by President Rakhmonov who flew out
to Khorog to assess the conduct of the relief effort. Teams are continuing work at the site of the disaster and a decision has been taken not to recover the bodies of those buried under the mudslide due to the complexity of such activity with the resources available.

International Response: The Humanitarian Coordinator and OCHA are expected to visit the site of
the disaster on Monday.  OCHA has approved an emergency cash grant of US$34,400 (US$ 24,400 from OCHA emergency fund and US$ 10,000 from a Norwegian contribution) based on a detailed list of needs submitted by the UN RC's Office in Tajikistan. These funds will be used by OCHA-Tajikistan for the immediate local procurement of tents and related shelter items. WFP is distributing a one-month food aid ration (wheat flour, oil, sugar and salt) to 501 persons affected by the disaster using food stocks from its Khorog warehouse. The USAID office in Almaty has committed itself to provide US$50,000 worth of assistance both in kind (mainly emergency shelter and related items) as well as cash assistance to support relief efforts.  The donation will be channeled through the Agha Khan Foundation office in Dushanbe. OCHA is prepared to serve as channel for cash contributions to be used for immediate relief assistance, ico-ordination/consultation with relevant organizations in the United Nations system. http://www.reliefweb.int 

Location: El Salvadore and Honduras

Date and Time:  14 to 20 July 2002 and Continuing

Situation: (OCHA): According to the Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO), the risk
of contracting a clinical form of dengue is increasing in Central America, particularly in El Salvador and Honduras. In El Salvador, during the period from 14 to 20 July 2002, the risk was 5.4 times greater than
compared to the same period last year. In Honduras, comparing data for the period from 7 to 13 July 2002 against the data for the same period in 2001, it is estimated that the risk is 3.58 times higher.
www.paho.org/english/ped/dengue_Epidemic.htm  Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection, found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world, predominantly in urban and semi-urban areas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there may be 50 million cases of dengue infection worldwide every year. For further information, please refer to the website, www.who.int/inf-fs/en/fact117.html 

Government of El Salvadore: In view of an increasing number of cases of dengue fever, along with
the detection of a new strain in the department of Usulutan, the Government of El Salvador extended the state of emergency, previously covering four departments, to cover the entire territory on 26 July. As of
1 August, 9 people have died this year, according to the health authorities.

Government of Honduras: Honduras also declared national emergency on 15 July due to the dengue
epidemic. According to the Comision Permanente de Contingencias (COPECO),
as of 31 July, the number of deaths is 12 (www.copeco.hn). Three of the 28 national hospitals, of which two in Tegucigalpa and one in San Pedro Sula, are providing medical care for cases of dengue 24 hours a day.

International Assistance: El Salvador: The health authorities updated an appeal to the international community for the amount of approx. USD 1.5 million.  It includes public awareness campaign 'Casa Limpia,' medical care for dengue patients, epidemiological and entomological surveillance and the
establishment of national technical teams. Honduras: The health authorities communicated the needs for the
dengue epidemiology, amounting to USD 4.6 million. It includes equipment for, fumigation, insecticides, public awareness campaign and monitoring. www.paho.org/disasters 

Location: Chitwan, Dhanusha, Makawanpur, Saptari, Mahottari, Syangja, and Kavre districts in Nepal

Date and Time:  14 July 2002 and Continuing

Situation: (OCHA/ACT):  Torrential and persistent monsoon rains over the last week of July and early August in central Nepal have caused significant damage and loss of life. According to the reports received from Nepal Red Cross Society District Chapters & Ministry of Home Affaire, the recent floods and landslides have affected approximately 301,046 persons and 49,249 families in 49 districts of the kingdom.  The Nepal Red Cross Society has provided relief materials to approximately 61,224 persons of 9,419 families in more than 43 districts.  In certain central districts, the intensity of rainfall has exceeded records; in the plains district of Sarlahi one day's rainfall volume exceeded 200 millimetres, the heaviest recorded in the
past 200 years Though flood damage was very localised in the western Districts, related seasonal problems have also caused localised suffering.  The high level of insecurity arising from the Maoist insurgency and security operations, the recent resettlement of former bonded labourers (Kamaiyas) whose first farming season has just commenced, together with the lack of farm work during the monsoon seasons has meant severe shortages in certain remote parts of Kailali District.

Government of Nepal: The Ministry of Roads and Transport has mobilized manpower to clear the highways.

International Response: The Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Kathmandu is in
contact with the Ministry of Home Affairs as well as the Nepal Red Cross Society.  OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the UNRC. Three sectoral working groups of the United Nations (Food and
Agriculture, Health and Logistics) held joint meetings on 30 July, 2 August and 12 August in the UN Emergency Operations Centre. The UN convened a meeting on disaster preparedness gathering the concerned ministries and the international community on 2 August. The next joint sectoral working group is scheduled to take place on 19 August.  http://www.reliefweb.int 

Location: Departments of Puno, Cusco, Moquegua, Huancavelica, Arequipa, Apurimac, Tacna and Ayacucho, Peru

Date and Time:  2 July and Continuing.

Situation: (OCHA)According to OCHA, about 60 persons reportedly died and over 86,000 persons have been affected in Peru due to the freezing temperatures. 200 houses were destroyed and over 20,700 houses damaged, while about 17,700 hectares of crops were affected or destroyed. Among the main needs, shelter, roofing materials, food, health care, seeds, fertilizer have been  identified.  (ACT) There were heavy snowfalls and temperatures to minus 20 degrees.  The most affected are the very poor rural peasants living in isolated and remote areas in the mountains. It is also estimated that 17,896 hectares of crops have been totally destroyed and that the loss of livestock is more than 50%. 

Government of Peru(GOP): INDECI continues to provide relief to the affected areas with the
support of all the agencies that are part of the Civil Defense System.  www.indeci.gob.pe. (ACT)The Peruvian government has declared a thirty-day emergency in eight departments of the southern Andean region (Ayacucho, Arequipa, Apurimac, Huancavelica, Cusco, Tacna, Moquegua y Puno).  Due to the remote location of most of the affected areas and limited government presence, the Civil Defense has had to airlift relief aid into the communities. Recognizing that the impact of this severe weather has exceeded their own emergency response capacities, the Peruvian government has requested humanitarian assistance from within Peru and from abroad.  Their top priorities include medicines for the treatment of bronchial illnesses and materials for shelters and roofs.  They have also requested feed, medicines, and vitamins for the livestock and quinoa and potato seeds for the upcoming planting season (August- October). The weather situation is
not improving and is making communication difficult.

International Assistance: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened an information meeting on 16 July, with the participation of representatives from governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, where the Head of INDECI presented the situation and requirements. The following bank accounts of the Banco de la Nacion were indicated for cash contributions: Saving Account No. 0000-246840 (currency: Nuevo Sol) Saving Account No. 6000-020952 (currency: US Dollars).  OCHA is prepared to serve as a channel for cash contributions to be used for immediate relief assistance, in coordination with relevant organizations in the United Nations system. For banking details, please
contact the desk officers indicated below. OCHA provides donor governments with written confirmation and pertinent details concerning the utilization of the funds contributed. Desk Officers:
  Mr. Erik Haegglund direct Tel. +41-22-917 32 99
  Mr. Ricardo Mena direct Tel. +41-22-917 14 55
  Ms. Masayo Kondo direct Tel. +41-22-917 19 97
http://www.reliefweb.int. 

Location:  Chuuk (Formerly Truk)

Date and Time: July 1 and 2, 2002

Situation (July 5): (OCHA): Tropical Storm CHATA'AN (the Chamorro word for 'rainy') with maximum sustained winds estimated at 112 km/h hit Chuuk State (formerly known as Truk), one of the four States that make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in the Western Pacific. The State consists of 7 major island groups lying in the Eastern Caroline Islands (5 - 8 degrees North and 148 - 153 degrees East), about 1000 km southeast of Guam and 2800 km east of the Philippines.  Its total land area is 118 sq. km and its population is 65,000. The high winds caused heavy seas and broke power lines and the
communications links between islands.  The heavy rain flooded many of the islands in Chuuk Lagoon, particularly Weno, the state capital, Dublon, Fefan, Udot, and Uman.  On the afternoon of Tuesday 2 July, the persistent rainfall caused a series of mudslides on Weno and other islands, that destroyed about 50 houses and damaged many more.  According to the FSM Red Cross, the death-toll from the landslides
across Chuuk State is 40, including four women who were rescued alive but were dead on arrival in hospital, and two US military personnel.  So far the Government has confirmed 20 deaths, but this is expected to rise as reports come in from remote villages and islands.  Between 70 and 100 persons were injured and evacuated to the state hospital. Locals are still digging through the debris as more people are unaccounted for; up to 10 according to press reports.  The rescue effort is made more hazardous and difficult by the poor drainage of the site, where there is still up to one metre of water. According to a media report on 4 July, survivors are in dire need of food, water and medical supplies. Many of the seriously injured are unable to receive the medical treatment they need. Telephone and radio communications, aviation links, power and water supplies, where available in the affected islands, were cut by the typhoon.  However, the power station is now functioning again, and aircraft have resumed flights into Chuuk.  Although there are sufficient immediate food stocks in homes and local stores, the typhoon also damaged food crops, infrastructure and private property including fishing boats, posing longer-term problems for the inhabitants of the atoll. See: FEMA.gov and www.pdc.org for details and updates.

GOFM: The Government of FSM has requested international assistance. Chuuk State Governor, Dr. Ansito Walter, has declared a state of emergency, and appealed for federal and international assistance. The
Federal Government met in Pohnpei, the capital, on Thursday 4 July.  The National Disaster Committee endorsed the declaration of a disaster and issued a general appeal for international assistance. On the same day the government despatched the deputy National Disaster Management Officer (NDMO) to Chuuk to coordinate the national response.

International Response: The FSM Government has requested urgent assistance from the US Government, particularly for medical expertise and supplies, and for assessment.  OCHA has not received reports of international assistance provided so far. OCHA has alerted the UNDAC Team in the Pacific and will be dispatching a small assessment team.  It remains in contact with the relevant government authorities in the Federated States of Micronesia through the OCHA Regional Disaster Response Advisor for the Pacific in Suva, Fiji, and will revert with further information, if and when available. In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

DATE AND TIME OF INCIDENT: 04:00:26 UTC at 35.88N 69.25E and at a depth of 33km. This point is approximately 150 kilometers north of Kabul in Nahrin district, Baghlan province.

SITUATION: Aid agencies on Monday stepped up emergency relief work for the latest victims of an earthquake in northern Afghanistan, which killed at least 50 people and injured another 150 on Friday. Rebecca Richards, spokeswoman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA),
told IRIN from the Afghan capital, Kabul, that most of those killed were children. The quake, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale, hit several villages in Nahrin district of the northern Baghlan Province.
http://www.hic.org.pk   

GOVERNMENT OF AFGHANISTAN: A coordination center has been established by UNAMA in Nahrin to provide coordination and communication support to the relief effort. Assistance provided today has been limited to emergency medical services and a small number of tents.

DATE AND TIME OF INCIDENT: 25-26 March 2002

SITUATION: The epicenter of the earthquake was in Nahrin district, Baghlan province, in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. Damage was reported to the north, south and in the center of Nahrin.             (1 April IRIN) - Despite continuing tremors in the earthquake area of Nahrin in the northern Afghan province of Baghlan, further damage has been minimal, a UN official in the Afghan capital, Kabul told IRIN on Monday. "There were tremors over the weekend and the last one was on Saturday," spokeswoman for the UN Office of the Coordinator for Afghanistan, Stephanie Bunker said. Meanwhile, efforts to provide up to 23,000 families affected by the quake with food aid were going well, a WFP official told IRIN on Monday. "Within four days we have reached 60,000 people following the immediate deployment of resources," WFP spokesman in Nahrin, Aljandro Lopez Chicheri said. The death toll, following the quake on 25 March which hit 6.1 on the Richter scale, is estimated at 800, according to the UN. However, other reports suggest a much higher number running into the hundreds. Donors are being advised that relief supplies are needed to replenish the ear-marked stocks that agencies and organizations have diverted to the earthquake zone.

GOVERNMENT OF AFGANISTAN: A second emergency planning meeting was convened in Kabul, Wednesday, 27 March, at 1700hrs local time. The Afghanistan Interim Authority (AIA) planning figure is 20,000 families and 15,000 tents have been distributed or are en route. A shortfall remains of 5000 tents. 100, 000 blankets have been distributed or are en route but shortfall remains of 60,000 blankets. A major shortfall in mattresses has been identified. Only 800 have been made available which currently leaves a shortfall of 99,200. Another priority is water management and distribution. Food distribution systems appear to be in place and medical emergency teams in Nahrin seem to be no longer required. Any new medical teams will be deployed to Puli Khumri for purposes of emergency referral.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE: As a result of the coordinated approach and cooperation among the
Afghan authorities, donors, UN agencies and NGOs in responding to the earthquake, the urgent needs of the affected population have been met, mostly by in-country stocks.  Action by Churches Together (ACT) member Diakonie Emergency Aid (DEA) is preparing to re-direct relief goods such as clothes and food to the earthquake area. ACT Director, Thor-Arne Prois (phone ++41 22 791 6032 or mobile phone ++ 41 79 203 6055) or ACT Appeals Officer, Mieke Weeda (phone ++41 22 791 6035 or mobile phone ++ 41 79 285 2916)

INCIDENT: Heavy rains and a hailstorm hit the Bolivian capital of La Paz between 14:20 and 15:50 on Tuesday, 19 February.  The rainfall reached a record of 39.4 litres per square meter exceeding the historical record of 32 litres per square meter in 1976.  Due to the topography of the city and the overflowing of the Choquepayu and La Paz rivers that run through the city, the streets quickly became fast flowing rivers sweeping along people, vehicles, trees and buildings. The rural communities downstream were also
affected.

SITUATION: ( 5 March):  In the city of La Paz overall activities are going back to normality.
Most of the affected areas have been cleaned up and opened to traffic. Rehabilitation of infrastructure is ongoing and the reconstruction planning phase has begun. Ten thousand pamphlets on preventive measures against floods and landslides have been printed for public distribution in high-risk areas.
According to PAHO/WHO, the situation in the health sector is under control: epidemiological surveillance has been established in the city of La Paz as well as in the rural areas. The implementation of the Supply
Management System (SUMA) continues in five reception centres that have been adequately equipped to register all incoming donations. As of 1 March, hundred and twenty families were still accommodated in
the Coliseo Cerrado.  To Date - People affected: 5000, Dead: 63  Injured: 146 Missing: 13 Damage on Infrastructure: Roads and Bridges   Damage to property varies from light to total destruction due to the collapse of residential buildings. Extensive damage to drainage systems, underground river canals and to the street network, particularly along the Choqueyapu and Cotahuma rivers. Several historic buildings located in Honda Street have been severely damaged.
        

STATUS: Areas affected are in the city of La Paz and rural communities downstream of the Choqueyapu and La Paz rivers. A survey is still ongoing to determine the number of those in need of immediate relief and those in need of support because of loss of their source of income (in particular street vendors and owners of small businesses who lost all their assets). A preliminary estimate gives an overall figure of some 2,500 persons
affected.

GOVERNMENT OF BOLIVIA (GOB): The President of Bolivia requested international assistance on 20 February in a meeting held with the international community, the Mayor of La Paz and several Ministers to discuss damage and impact caused by the rain and hailstorm. The local government has set up three temporary shelters, however no official report on the situation of the homeless is available yet.

INCIDENT: Volcanic Eruption 

SITUATION: ( 31 Jan)  Mt. Nyiragongo erupted at approximately 9:30 AM local time (2:30 AM EST)
on January 17.  The volcano produced three paths of lava, one of which headed toward the city of Goma, 18 kilometers to the south.  A fourth fissure opened at 4:00 PM on January 17.  Seismic shocks, ranging from moderate to strong, continue to be felt in the Goma area. Even if these are related with the present
volcano-seismic crisis, these shocks have not been followed by any volcanic activity of volcano Nyiragongo. There were no recordings of seismic signals (tremors) showing magma movements in the area. No eruption is expected at the moment. One more seismic station in Kibati has been added to the Goma Volcano Observatory network.  This brings the total number of stations to 4. The alert level remains Yellow.

STATUS: (9 Mar) (WFP)  The WFP emergency operation for assistance to the volcano victims,
EMOP 10166.0, remains seriously under funded. As of 7 March, only 20 percent of the total resources required have been made available to WFP. Urgent contributions of USD 9.5 million are needed to continue providing food assistance to the most vulnerable people affected by this emergency. Scientists from OCHA and the Volcanic Observatory of Goma have observed an increase in seismic activity in the Nyamurigira volcano, located 45-km northwest of Goma. The volcano may erupt over the coming days or weeks, thus threatening populations living in the surrounding areas.

Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie (RCD): The first preparatory meeting for the launch of a Commission on volcano contingency planning took place between authorities from Gisenyi and Goma.  The meeting was chaired by Mr. Adolphe Onusumba, President of the Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie (RCD)  and Ms. Odette Nyiramirimo, Minister of State for Social Affairs of Rwanda, and included representatives of OCHA and international and local vulcanologists.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE:  (29 Jan) OCHA has prepared the outline and criteria of a contingency plan due to be developed in the coming days among local authorities, UN agencies, local and international NGOs. 20.  A consolidated inter-agency appeal for the short-term and mid-term (next three months) is due to be drafted this week.  A major consideration taken into account is the risks of having the population remain in Goma, and how assistance will take place longer-term at camps, transit camps and those with host families. OCHA is prepared to serve as a channel for cash contributions to be used for immediate relief assistance, in coordination/consultation with\ relevant organizations of the United Nations system.  Funds should be transferred to the following account: Bank's Name: Chase Manhattan Bank, NY
Address: International Agencies Banking
               1166, Avenue of the Americas, 17th Floor
               New York, N.Y. 10036-2708, USA
Account's Name: United Nations Geneva General Fund  Account's Number: 485-001802
SWIFT Code: CHASUS33  ABA code: 021000021
Reference: OCHA - DRC-Volcano 2002

INCIDENT: Terrorist Attacks on New York City and the Pentagon

CURRENT STATUS: See FEMA Online

DOCUMENTARY DETAILS: www.infowarrior.org/terror 

SITUATION: As of 12 November 2001, the extent of the damage in the Philippines is
as follows (source:  Office of Civil Defense-National Disaster Coordinating Council): Death toll: 184  Injured: 147 Missing: 106 Affected population: 1.06 million Affected provinces: 13 Worst affected area: Mahinog Municipality in the Province of Camiguin Population evacuated: 183,435
Houses destroyed: 1,119  Houses damaged: 2,811 Estimated cost of damage in USD: 22.7 million

STATUS:  OCHA is in contact with the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Manila, which is monitoring the situation.

GOVERNMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES: According to the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Manila, the Central Government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, has provided PHP 7 million (USD 136,000) to the most affected provinces to assist the relief efforts of the provincial and municipal authorities.  The Central Government has also informed that it plans to carry out rehabilitation activities in the agriculture sector.

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE: No appeal for international assistance has been received by OCHA to date.

SITUATION:  Sixteen days after the devastating floods that hit northern Algeria, the latest provisional toll announced by the Algerian authorities reached 751 people killed, out of which 700 deaths in Algiers alone. 170 persons are still missing. In total, floods may have affected up to 10,000 families (40,000 to 50,000 persons). The fifty other deaths were reported in the wilayas of Chlef (13), Tipasa (11), Relizane (09), Tiaret (05), Tlemcen (04), Mascara (03), Aïn-Témouchent (02), Mostaganem (01), Oran (02) and one in Tizi-Ouzou.

STATUS: Search and rescue operations have ended with the departure of main international teams (up to 80 persons from France, Morocco and Tunisia coordinated by the Algerian Civil Protection). Operations to clean the city continue. So far, more than 1,1 million m3 of mud have been removed from the worst affected district. According to media, at least 800.000 m3 are still to be removed from small streets, cellars and basements. Many roads are still impassable, particularly in Algiers, Blida, Relizane, Chlef, Tebessa and Oran. So far, more that 6,120 houses have been assessed in Algiers (out of which 2,749 are not anymore habitable).

GOVERNMENT OF ALGERIA: The Government of Algeria urgently requests international assistance. An inter-ministerial meeting was held on 17 November with the participation of the 14 districts (wilayas) affected by floods, in order to prepare an exhaustive assessment of relief operations since 10
November. A team of 31 engineers already assessed 1,600 houses in Bab El Oued's area. The Algerian Red Crescent Society (ARCS) has mobilized relief supplies and volunteers comprising 120 relief specialists, 400 specialists and 13 medical teams and is providing 40 tons of relief items (kitchens utensils, plastic sheets and blankets) as part of the CHF 200,000 donated by the Swiss Red Cross and CHF 100,000 donated by the Swiss government.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE: OCHA has decided to allocate an Emergency Grant of US$ 30.000 for local purchase of relief items and or logistical support to assist the affected population. In addition, the Government of Norway is providing an Emergency Grant of US$ 30.000 through OCHA to assist the local population. OCHA is prepared to serve as channel for cash contributions to be used for immediate relief assistance, in coordination/consultation with relevant organizations in the United Nations system. OCHA provides donors with written confirmation and pertinent details concerning the utilization of the funds contributed.Funds should be transferred to: Chase Manhattan Bank, NY
Address: International Agencies Branch
1166, Avenue of Americas, 17th floor
New York, NY 10036-2708 USA
A/C name:    United Nations Geneva General Fund
A/C:         485-001802
ABA Code:    021000021 (US Banking Code)
Swift Code:  CHASU33
Reference:   OCHA - Algeria - floods

OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int 
Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org 
In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Several Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies (UAE, France, Germany, Iran, Tunisia) are delivering assistance to the flood-affected people, mainly tents and food.

SITUATION: After making landfall on the southern coast of Cuba on 4 November, Hurricane Michelle affected Cuba from Pinar del Rio in the east to Ciego de Avila in central Cuba. About 45 percent of the country, where some 5.9 million people or 53 percent of the total population live, has been
affected by the hurricane.

 
STATUS: Cuba 31 Dec - (OCHA) Information available at present indicates that 45 percent of the Cuban territory and 53 percent of the population (some 5.9 million people) was affected by Hurricane Michelle. The immediate needs of the population and particularly those that had to be sheltered or assisted because their houses were affected in one way or another (over 500,000), were met mostly using the reserves that the Government of Cuba keeps in order to respond to emergencies. These reserves, however, are only meant to address very short-term needs and need to be complemented by other sources. Cuba continues to need medicines, foodstuffs, and building materials for housing. The priority is for medicines to attend to children,
expectant mothers and elderly people. Medical equipment is also in dire need in order to equip the medical facilities that were hit and that are now severely strained with more calls for service in the period after the
hurricane. (CWS) Hurricane Michelle was the worst hurricane to hit Cuba in 50 years and struck the Caribbean nation Nov. 4 and affected nearly half of the country geographically, an area of 5.9 million people. The most affected areas are the provinces of Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Havana and the special municipality Isle of Youth. www.cwserp.org  (ACT) According to the Cuban Civil Defense, the provinces affected were from the northern part of Pinar del Rio province to the province of Ciego de Avila. This represents 45 % of the national territory where 5,899,000 or 53 % of the entire population of Cuba live.  The areas most affected are the provinces of Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara and Havana, the City of Havana and the special municipality Isle of Youth. Loss of life has been limited to 5 persons thanks to the rapid action of the Civil Defense agencies and the solid participation of all the people. Infrastructure has been devastated severely affecting provision of vital services such as electricity, potable water, domestic fuel, transportation network and telephones.  Social and educational institutions were also damaged.  A total of 1,500 schools were partly damaged, 50 were razed to the ground or suffered major damages to installations. 

Jamaica - The United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office in Jamaica informs that the Office of Disaster Preparedness in Jamaica issued on 2 November a preliminary report of the damage caused to various sectors as follows: roads (estimated at approx. USD 9 million), gameon baskets, to stop land erosion (estimated at approx. USD 8.5 million), water supply systems (estimated at approx. USD 450,000), health facilities (estimated at approx. USD 380,000). There has been no report on damage to agriculture yet, but assistance is expected to be needed in replanting. 6,000 households are without electricity and there is a lack of potable water and shelter.

Honduras: (CIDI) The United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team,
in country since 8 November, reports that two communities, La Lima in the department of Cortes and La Mosquitia in the department of Gracias a Dios, continue to suffer from flooding caused by Tropical Storm Michelle some two weeks ago.  According to the Permanent Commission of Contingencies (COPECO),
61,051 people have been affected by the storm.

INCIDENT: Hurricane Iris

CURRENT STATUS: (October 22) Category-four strength Hurricane Iris swept through the country on 8 October, swelling the sea and whipping up highly destructive 145 mph (233 km/h) winds. The hurricane took its highest toll on the poorest part of the country where in a matter of days it deprived many of the vulnerable Mayan and Garinagu families living in the districts of Toledo and Stann Creek of their traditional means of livelihood, their homes, schools and health centers.

GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE: The projects proposed by the United Nations System target the most
affected, and hence the most vulnerable families in the communities affected by the disaster.  They take into consideration the emergency priorities of the Government of Belize and the information provided thus
far by NEMO.

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE: OCHA is prepared to serve as a channel for cash contributions to be
used for immediate relief assistance, in coordination/consultation with relevant organizations in the United Nations system.  OCHA provides donors with written confirmation and pertinent details concerning the utilization of the funds contributed. Funds should be transferred to:

Bank name:         Chase Manhattan Bank, NY
Address:               International Agencies Branch
                              1166, Avenue of Americas, 17th floor
                             New York, NY 10036-2708 USA
A/C name:          United Nations Geneva General Fund
A/C:                     485-001802
ABA Code:         021000021 (US Banking Code)
Swift Code:        CHASU33
Reference:           OCHA - Belize - Hurricane Iris   www.reliefweb.int 

INCIDENT: Flooding

CURRENT STATUS: (November 18) Following the request for international assistance from the Government of Guinea on 09 October, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) dispatched an UNDAC team to Guinea on Thursday 18 October 2001. The report on the UNDAC mission was distributed and is available under http://www.reliefweb.int   Major floods hit many areas of eastern Guinea (Haute Guinée) due to the overflow of major rivers in August and September. According to governmental authorities, 9 people were killed and 220,000 people are affected persons. More than 20,000 hectares of farmed land ready for the harvest were washed away.

GOVERNMENT OF GUINEA: In order to evaluate the magnitude of the disaster and prepare the
best emergency response, OCHA and the SENAH (National Service for Humanitarian Action) of the Ministry of Territorial Administration conducted a first fact-finding mission (Cf Situation Report No1).

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE: OCHA has decided to allocate an Emergency Grant of US$ 30.000 for
local purchase of relief items and or logistical support to assist the affected population. In addition, the Government of Norway is providing an Emergency Grant of US$ 20.000 through OCHA to assist the local population. OCHA is in close contact with the OCHA Field Office in Guinea and will
revert with further information, as it becomes available. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at
http://www.reliefweb.int 

INCIDENT: Flooding

CURRENT STATUS: (October 29)  By the morning of 24 October upstream gauging stations of the Mekong River Delta in southern Viet Nam, on the Viet Nam-Cambodia border, and
inland gauging stations of the Long Xuyen and Dong Thap Muoi areas, were registering a reduction in water levels. Nevertheless the Chau Doc Gauging Station on the Hau River, in An Giang province, was at 3.88 metres. It still exceeded Alarm Level III which denotes very dangerous flood conditions. The flood waters at the in-land Moc Hao Gauging Station on Long An province measured 2.46 metres (0.66 metres above Alarm Level III). In addition, a tropical depression triggered torrential rains over central provinces of Viet Nam early this week. While there is no official report available to date, an initial media report indicates that around 20 persons have been killed. Floodwater levels of rivers in the Central River Systems in the area are increasing above Alarm Level II (dangerous flood condition)

GOVERNMENT OF VIET NAM: Vietnamese authorities continue to engage in search and rescue and
relief activities through the provision of rice, life-buoys (especially for children), medicines, water purification tablets and other relief supplies and by mobilising relief teams and first-aid and health care teams. The Government has so far mobilized VND 30 billion (USD 2 million) to support flood-stricken provinces in the Mekong River Delta.  They have also undertaken a major public education initiative warning parents not to
leave their children unattended.

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE: OCHA is prepared to serve as channel for cash contributions to be
used for immediate relief assistance, in coordination/consultation with relevant organizations in the United Nations system. Funds should be transferred to the following account: Bank's Name:Chase Manhattan Bank, NY,  Address: International Agencies Banking 1166, Avenue of the Americas, 17th Floor,
New York, N.Y. 10036-2708, USA, Account's Name:  United Nations Geneva General Fund Account's Number: 485-001802

INCIDENT: Earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale. On 7 July 2001 at 09:38 GMT, another earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter Scale hit the Department of Arequipa. The epicenter was 17.38S and 71.78W (110 km south-southwest of the city of Arequipa). (Source: United States Geological Survey). According to preliminary reports from the Peruvian National Civil Defense, this quake caused no loss of life nor severe injuries and on 5 July 2001 at 13.53, the Department of Arequipa was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 6.6 on the Richter Scale causing damage to housing and roads and injuring 40 persons.

LOCATION: The earthquake was centered in and around Peru's second largest city, Arequipa. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that, on June 23, 2001, at approximately 3:33 pm local time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.1 on the Richter Scale occurred near the Peruvian coastline some 120 miles west of Arequipa or about 375 miles southeast of Lima at 16.15 degrees latitude and 73.40 degrees longitude. A tsunami subsequently struck along the coastal department of Arequipa.

CURRENT STATUS: (OFDA): As of August 8, the Peruvian Civil Defense Institute (INDECI) is reporting that 81 people were killed, 2,734 people were injured, and 64 residents are missing.  Estimates by INDECI indicate that a total of 223,679 people have been affected, most of whom were left without shelter.  An estimated 36,769 homes suffered some damage, while a further 24,972 homes were destroyed. The displacement of residents is of particular concern to local officials as overnight temperatures in the affected highland areas can drop below freezing.

GOVERNMENT OF PERU (GOP): The Ministry of Energy and Mines reported that electricity has been
restored to most of Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna departments; however, some rural areas remain without power. The Pan-American Highway is now passable with some restrictions. Most rural roads have been cleared, although access to some remote areas remains difficult.  The ports of Matarani and Ilo did not sustain major damage and are operational.  The airports of Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna are all reported to be operative. The Ministry of Transport estimates that $50 million will be required for road and bridge repairs. The Ministry of Agriculture indicates 40,843 hectares of cultivation, 255 miles of irrigation canal, 77 reservoirs, 190 distribution canals, 52 wells, and 57 miles of rural road have been damaged.  An estimated $80 million will be required to fully repair this damage. The Ministry of Education estimates the damage to educational infrastructure (schools) to be approximately $55 million.

REMOTE SENSING: The Global Disaster Information Network (GDIN)  http://www.cartographic.com 

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE: A UN Interagency Mission will be fielded for the assessment of
rehabilitation and reconstruction requirements. Participating Agencies are FAO, HABITAT, ILO, PAHO, UNDP/ERD, UNICEF, and WFP. Coordination made in regard to the participation of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) which will carry out the assessment of the
economic impact of the disaster, based on reports and data to be produced by the sectoral groups. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating the participation of the concerned Ministries.

OCHA is prepared to serve as channel for cash contributions to be used for immediate relief assistance, in co-ordination/consultation with relevant organizations in the United Nations system. Funds should be transferred to OCHA account no.  CO-590.160.0, Swift code: UBSWCHZ12A at the UBS AG, P.O.  Box 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, with reference:  "OCHA - Peru - Earthquake"  OCHA provides donors with written confirmation and pertinent details concerning the utilization of the funds contributed. For additional information about the relief effort in Peru, please refer to the Natural Disasters section of ReliefWeb at http://www.reliefweb.int/ 

Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Coordination Program - Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) through the following contact numbers:  Phone no: +1 202-974-33.99 / Fax no: +1 202-77545.78 / Email: disaster@paho.org 

A list of the PVOs may be obtained from the USAID web site at http://www.usaid.gov/   Those interested in providing specific technical relief services or commodities should contact Volunteers in Technical Assistance's (VITA's) Disaster Information Center for information and guidelines at 703-276-1914.

USAID will not deviate from standard Denton Program procedures for transporting privately donated relief supplies.  USAID will prioritize delivery of essential relief commodities.  For more information on theDenton Program, please refer to the USAID website at http://www.usaid.gov/hum_response/pvc/denton.html 

The American Red Cross donations hotline is 1-800-HELP NOW.

Volunteers in Technical Assistance's (VITA) Disaster Information Center for information and guidelines: 703-276-1914.

CWS HOTLINE for updates: (800) 297-1516.
   Telephone: (212) 870-3151
   E-mail: cherlinger@ncccusa.org
   After-hours emergency pager: (800) 780-0853
   Web site: www.cwserp.org 

ACT Co-ordinator, Thor-Arne Prois (phone ++41 22 791 6033 or mobile phone
++ 41 79 203 6055) or ACT Appeals Officer, Elsa Moreno (phone +41 22 791 6420 or mobile phone ++41 79 608 88133)

INCIDENT: An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 on the Richter Scale one month after a January 13 quake killed at least 844 people. (See Below under El Salvador).  (See Alert Archives for information on the 13 January Earthquake)

LOCATION: The epicenter is located at 13.60N and 88.96W (20 km east/south east of San Salvador). (Source: United States Geological Survey).

CURRENT STATUS: (OFDA) (24 Aug 01)El Salvador's National Emergency Committee (COEN) has provided data for the table below.  The figures for the January 13 earthquake were last
updated by COEN on February 9, and on February 21 for the February 13 earthquake.  COEN has finalized these figures and will no longer update the numbers affected.

                                  People     Houses    Houses
Earthquake      Deaths  Injuries  Affected   Damaged   Destroyed

January 13        844    4,723   1,329,806   169,632    108,226
February 13       315    3,399     252,622    15,706     41,302
Total               1,159    8,122   1,582,428   185,338    149,528

REMOTE SENSING: The Global Disaster Information Network (GDIN)  http://www.cartographic.com  and http://www.eastview.com

GOVERNMENT OF EL SALVADOR: Please note that the correct number for the Emergency Operations Center in San Salvador is +503-248-2222. The Government has a website for Earthquake Information at www.terremoto.gob.sv  The National Emergency Committee (COEN) continues to coordinate relief activities for this latest earthquake and the previous one and has set up a web page with information on this emergency at www.coensv.50megs.com  El Salvador's National Commission for Solidarity, charged with receiving and distributing contributions from the international community, provides official guidance for cash donations at http://www.rree.gob.sv/  For further information on international assistance, interested donor countries may wish to contact the focal point for international assistance at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:  Dr. Elisabeth Cubias, International
Assistance Coordinator, mobile no.  +503-8-85.80.74, fax no.503-2-43.85.82, e-mail: ecubias@rree.gob.sv 

MEDICAL NEEDS: Interested donors may contact the Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Coordination Program - Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) through the following contact numbers:  Phone no:  +1 202-974-33.99 / Fax no: +1 202-77545.78  Email: disaster@paho.org 

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE:
The United Nations Resident Coordinator has called a meeting with the in-country United Nations Disaster Management Team to evaluate the situation  further information on ongoing emergencies
are also available on the OCHA website at http://www.reliefweb.int  OCHA Contacts: Telephone: +41-22-917 1234 Fax: +41-22-9170023 E-mail: ochagva@un.org  In case of emergency: Tel. +41-22-9172010 Desk Officers: Mr. Erik Haegglund / Mr. Carlos Pereira / Ms. Masayo Kondo
Direct tel: +41-22-917 32 99/13 83/19 97 Press contact: Mr. D. Kiniger-Passigli, Direct tel. +41-22-917 26 53  OCHA is prepared to serve as channel for cash contributions to be used for immediate relief assistance, in co-ordination/consultation with relevant organizations in the United Nations system.  Funds should be transferred to OCHA account no. CO-590.160.0, Swift code: UBSWCHZ12A at the UBS AG, P.O.  Box 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, with reference: "OCHA - El Salvador - Earthquake- February."  OCHA provides donors with written confirmation and pertinent details concerning the utilization of the funds contributed.
A list of the PVOs may be obtained from the USAID web site at http://www.usaid.gov/   Those interested in providing specific technical relief services or commodities should contact Volunteers in Technical Assistance's (VITA's) Disaster Information Center for information and guidelines at 703-276-1914.

The Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Coordination Program - Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO): Phone no:  +1 202-974-33.99 / Fax no:  +1 202-77545.78 / website: http://www.paho.org  Email: disaster@paho.org 

WHO-Geneva Ms. Isis Pluut, Tel: +41-22 791 2704, Fax: +41-22- 791 4844, E-mail:
pluute@who.ch  Dr. Yonas Tegegn, Tel: +41-22-791 2722, Fax: +41-22 791 4844, Email:
tegegny@who.ch  http://www.who.int/eha/disasters 

The American Red Cross donations hotline is 1-800-HELP NOW.

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE, Attn. El Salvador Earthquake, #6727, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515.  Phone pledges or credit card donations: 1-800-297-1516, ext. 222.  On-line contributions to: www.churchworldservice.org

INCIDENT:  7.9 Earthquake on the Mercalli Scale

LOCATION: The epi-centre is located about 50 kilometres north-east of Bhuj city, at a latitude of 23.4 degrees north and a longitude 70.3 degrees east. Detailed Earthquake Map.

CURRENT STATUS: (ACT) The number of deaths caused by the killer earthquake still remains
unclear, but it is mostly attributed to faulty construction of buildings. The official estimate puts it at around 20,086 and the number of people injured are reported as 166,812.  In fact several million people are still
living under trauma with the frequent aftershocks in the region. Many people have completely lost all their means of livelihood beyond recovery and need outside help for fast revival in order to be able to support
themselves.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (GOI): See Website Below

BACKGROUND: (OCHA) According to the Government of India (GOI), the affected areas in Gujarat State include Bhuj, Kutch, Surat, Ahmadabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Surendranagar, Jamnagar, and Jodia. The Kutch district was the most severely affected area and remains isolated from surrounding areas. Local government officials indicate that 90% of the buildings in Bhuj have suffered significant structural damage, while 10% have completely collapsed. In Ahmadabad, the commercial capital of Gujarat, the local media reported that the Nehru bridge, which spans the Sabarmati river, was structurally damaged. In addition, as many as 100 high-rise and multi- story buildings have collapsed.  Ahmadabad has a population of approximately 4.5 million residents. Media reports cited damage to power lines, phone infrastructure, gas lines, railways, and water systems.  

Click on "Philippines " to get Country Information

INCIDENT: Typhoon Utor 

CURRENT STATUS:  At least 78 people have died as Typhoon Utor cut a devastating
swath throughout southeast Asia. The storm was been downgraded to a tropical storm as it hit southern
China; the worst hit was the Philippines, where at least 74 people died earlier this week; another 49 remain missing, officials said. Most of those who died were killed in landslides in and around the northern
mountain city of Baguio. Initial damage to the Philippines was estimated at $1.9 million.

GOVERNMENT OF PHILIPPINES:  NDCC, through the Regional Disaster Coordinating Councils (RDCCs), is continuously monitoring the effects of the typhoon. RDCCs have dispatched their respective search and rescue units/teams to the different low-lying areas in Regions I, II, III, IV and CAR. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has dispatched manpower, equipment and logistics to assist the local Disaster Coordinating Councils in the search and rescue operations. The regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways is conducting clearing and restoration of damaged roads and bridges along the Maharlika Road within the boundary of Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya, as well as on roads leading to Baguio City, Kalinga and Apayao.

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE: No appeal for international assistance has been received by OCHA to
date. Telephone: +41-22-91712 34 Fax: +41-22-917 00 23 Email: ochagva@un.org  

The Council of Churches of the Philippines, a CWS partner, is conducting assessments. CWS will respond if the council requests assistance. Call the CWS HOTLINE for updates: (800) 297-1516.

INCIDENT: Flooding

LOCATION: Coastal Areas of Ghana and the Capital Accra

CURRENT STATUS: (OCHA):  The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said this week that the most urgent threat from floods in Ghanaian coastal towns including Accra came from water-borne diseases, such as cholera, diarrhoea and typhoid, which could be brought on by a lack of clean water. The floods, which followed heavy rains on 26 June, killed at least five people and affected some 139,000 others, OCHA reported on Monday.

GOVERNMENT OF GHANA: Ghana's National Disaster Management Office (NADMO) has
distributed relief items such as tents, blankets, and kitchen tools but more supplies were needed, including food, clothing, medical supplies, and water tankers.

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Nine interagency teams, including WHO, UNICEF, other UN agencies, NGOs and NADMO have been formed to evaluate the damage and assess the needs of
affected people, OCHA reported. WHO and UNICEF have provided US $20,000 for the water, drugs, health education and shelter. The United States has given US $25,000, and UNDP has also made a contribution.

Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
Email: ochagva@un.org 
In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10
Desk Officers (OCHA Disaster Response Branch):
  Ms. Ute Kollies-Cummings / Mr. Marcel Mikala / Mr. Max Bonnel
  Direct tel: +41-22-917 3948 / 1729 / 1457
Press contact:
  Ms. M. Moulin-Acedo, Direct tel. +41-22-917 31 60

INCIDENT: Flash Flooding

CURRENT STATUS:  According to government reports, flash floods and the Nile river's seasonal rising waters have affected ten states. The most adversely affected are Kassala, River Nile and South Darfur States.  The number of people who have died since the beginning of floods (mid July) has reached three, all in Khartoum State. In total, an estimated 61,545 persons have been affected, 14,000 of whom are in Kassala. 2,240 houses were completely destroyed and 2,798 partially damaged in 56 villages. Infrastructure in the River Nile State was especially hit.

GOVERNMENT OF SUDAN:  On Sunday 19 August, the GoS sent a letter to the United Nations
Resident Coordinator's Office in Khartoum, requesting UN assistance to respond to needs of disaster-affected people.

INCIDENT: Flash floods triggered by torrential rains that have started on Friday 10 August affecting three provinces in northeastern Iran have now stopped.

CURRENT STATUS:  The UN Inter-agency mission (UNDP/UNICEF) visited the worst affected
province of Golestan on 16 and 17 August (OCHA Situation Report No.4 refers).  The total number of people directly affected by the floods in the province is 217,796, out of which 10,000 are homeless (although close to 1.2 million people have been directly or indirectly affected by the floods at varying degree (OCHA Situation Report No.3 para.3 refers)). 387 villages are reported to have been affected and 4,000 buildings have sustained heavy damage.  The floods have also submerged some 10,000 ha of forest and pastureland.  Due to water logging, malaria and diarrhoea are of health concern in the affected areas. 

GOVERNMENT OF IRAN:  August 15, 2001, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has sent a letter to the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Iran, welcoming international support to assist in the national effort underway to respond to the flood disaster affecting three provinces in northeastern Iran. ( Golestan, Khorassan and Semnan)

INCIDENT: Floods

LOCATION: Republic of Sakha (Yakutia),

CURRENT STATUS: (OCHA):  In response to a request from the Government of the Russian Federation to bring to the attention of the international community the situation of the  population affected by floods in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), OCHA deployed on 14 June 2001 the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) Team to the affected region. The United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) Team returned from the flood-affected areas in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
on Wednesday 20 June.

REPUBLIC OF SAKHA GOVERNMENT: On 26 June 2001, Prime Minister Mikhael Kasyanov signed a decision on comprehensive measures to tackle the consequences of the floods in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).  The document stipulates, inter alia, which financial resources will be made by the Federal Government to provide housing to 2,000 affected families and to restore public buildings and facilities.  In addition, the document outlines how vulnerable groups will be assisted and which financial schemes will be established to support the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in meeting the needs.

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE: OCHA is prepared to serve as channel for cash contributions to be used for immediate relief assistance, in coordination/consultation with relevant organizations in the United Nations system. Funds should be transferred to OCHA account No. Co-590.160.0, Swift code: UBSWCHY12A at the UBS AG, P.O. Box 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, with the reference: OCHA Republic of Sakha Floods  OCHA provides donors with written confirmation and pertinent details concerning the utilization of the funds contributed. Donors are requested to inform OCHA Geneva, as indicated below, of
bilateral relief missions/pledges/contributions and their corresponding values by item. http://www.reliefweb.int 

INCIDENT: Floods

LOCATION: Mozambique's centre parts have received heavy rains between 8 and 14 February, with the heaviest recording in Tete city, 305.7 mm; followed by the northern parts of Inhambane, 127 mm and Manica, 112mm. 

CURRENT STATUS: (OCHA/CIDI) .  The water level of the Cahora Bassa reservoir continues to fall about 5-10 cm per day, with a discharge of 4,700 m3/s as of 3 May. Upstream from Cahora Bassa, the level of the Zambezi river at Zumbo had fallen to 8 cm above flood level on 3 May.  Downstream from the dam, the Zambezi had fallen below flood level at Tete by 3 May and was down to 62 cm above flood level at Caia on the same day.

GOVERNMENT OF MOZAMBIQUE: (OCHA/CIDI) A donor conference to be held in Mozambique by the Government is now scheduled in early June (OCHA Situation Report no. 18 para. 5 refers). The
Ministry of Finance and Planning is taking the lead role.  The purposes of the conference are to review the rehabilitation/reconstruction programmes in 2000 and the impacts of the floods in 2001, and to raise funds to respond the unmet needs for the victims of the flooding in 2001.

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE: (OCHA) Information on contributions to this disaster may be found by clicking on Financial Tracking at the top of the page for this disaster on the OCHA Internet Website ( http://www.reliefweb.int  ). Donors are requested to verify this table and inform OCHA Geneva of corrections/additions/values. Donors are encouraged to notify OCHA Geneva of their contributions to this disaster using the OCHA Standardized Contributions Recording Format, available electronically in the above mentioned Financial Tracking Website. The World Food Program (WFP) has carried out food deliveries by boat and pre-positioned supplies for over 20,000 people. USAID has made available a Caravan-aircraft to WFP to shuttle in food stocks from Beira, capital of Sofala. UNICEF has provided 500 kg of chlorine and 30,000 sachets of chloroflocs for distribution in all affected areas. further information  ongoing emergencies available on the OCHA Internet Website at: http//www.reliefweb.int 
OCHAContacts: Telephone: +41-22-917 1234  Fax: +41-22-9170023 Email: ochagva@un.org  In case of emergency: Tel. +41-22-9172010 Desk Officers: Mr. K. Wiersing / Ms. Y. Sawada, Mr. M. Bonnel
direct Tel. +41 - 22 917 2270/ +41-22-917 1768 Press contact: Mr. D. Kiniger-Passigli, Direct tel. +41-22-917 26 53

INCIDENT: Heavy rains are forecast to continue, increasing the likelihood of further communities being flooded.

LOCATION: The Government of Bolivia has declared an emergency situation in four departments (La Paz, Oruro, Cochabamba and Beni)  and requested the assistance of the international community for the victims of the floods.

CURRENT STATUS: (OCHA) The United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office in La Paz informs
that a total of 52,913 families have been affected by the recent floods, according to the report prepared by the National Civil Defense Service (SENADECI) dated 5 March. Bolivia 's nine departments have been hit by
rains and flooding, but the most affected are La Paz (23,334 families affected), Cochabamba (12,902) Potosí (6,767) and Beni (3,651). According to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies (IFRC), the heavy rainfall over the past months in the 'altiplano' region has severely affected the lower departments of the country, with rivers overflowing their banks and causing floods. In the
Chaco zone, many of the areas, which were severely affected by drought, are now experiencing flooding.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office in La Paz informs
that a total of 52,913 families have been affected by the recent floods, according to the report prepared by the National Civil Defense Service (SENADECI) dated 5 March. Bolivia 's nine departments have been hit by
rains and flooding, but the most affected are La Paz (23,334 families affected), Cochabamba (12,902) Potosí (6,767) and Beni (3,651). According to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies (IFRC), the heavy rainfall over the past months in the 'altiplano' region has severely affected the lower departments of the country, with rivers overflowing their banks and causing floods. In the
Chaco zone, many of the areas, which were severely affected by drought, are now experiencing flooding.

GOVERNMENT OF BOLIVIA: Civil Defense (SENADECI) reports that 150,615 persons have been seriously affected by the floods and landslides.  In the department of La Paz, there are 66,160 persons affected by the floods and the national Government remains unable to give any tangible assistance to the affected.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (OCHA) The United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office in Bolivia informs that some 39,000 families (234,000 people) have been affected by the floods in the western and northern highlands of the country, according to the National Civil Defense Service (SENADECI).
A full Situation Report and further information on ongoing emergencies are also available on the OCHA Internet Website at: http://www.reliefweb.int

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE: OCHA is prepared to serve as channel for cash contributions to be
used for immediate relief assistance, in co-ordination/consultation with relevant organizations in the United Nations system.  Funds should be transferred to OCHA account no. CO-590.160.0, Swift code: UBSWCHZ12A at the UBS AG, P.O. Box 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, with reference: "OCHA - Bolivia - Floods".  OCHA provides donors with written confirmation and pertinent details concerning the utilization of the funds contributed, Contacts: Telephone: +41-22-917 1234; Fax: +41-22-9170023; E-mail: ochagva@un.org  In case of emergency: Tel. +41-22-9172010 Desk Officers: Mr. Erik Haegglund/Mr. Carlos Pereira/Ms. Masayo Kondo Direct tel: +41-22-917 32 99/13 83/19 97 Press contact: Mr. D. Kiniger-Passigli, direct tel. +41-22-917 26 53 
Center for International Disaster Information
Volunteers in Technical Assistance web: www.cidi.org   listserv: www.cidi.org/listsub.htm

INCIDENT: Floods

LOCATION: Angola

CURRENT STATUS: (IRIN/CIDI) During the past week, Government authorities and representatives of the humanitarian community carried out six technical assessments in flood-affected areas in the provinces of Bengo, Benguela, Huila, Luanda and Namibe.  Registration of the affected populations and distribution of
emergency assistance are on-going. Under the leadership of the Technical Unit for Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (UTCAH), Government authorities, the UN agencies and NGOs are developing a consolidated national plan of action to respond to the needs of flood-affected populations in the affected provinces of Bengo, Benguela, Cunene, Huila, Luanda and Namibe. The Angola provinces of Benguela and Namibe were hit by floods in middle April with an estimated 25,000 people affected. The floods left a trail of
destruction with hundreds of mud houses literally washed away resulting in thousands of people being displaced and left in the open without shelter.

GOVERNMENT OF ANGOLA: (OCHA) Complex Emergencies. (South Africa) .  Humanitarian partners are working closely with the Government to help flood victims and provide complementary support to meet urgent needs. The Angolan Government has allocated approximately USD nine million to respond
to the flood situation.

INCIDENT: Floods

LOCATION: Zimbabwe

CURRENT STATUS: (IRIN/CIDI) The worst floods in living memory washed away hundreds of houses in Tsholotsho, about 100 km northwest of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe's Matabeleland province, leaving at least 1,500 people homeless. Residents of Tsholotsho awoke last week to find the district flooded after the Gwayi river, whichmeanders its way through the area, burst its banks after heavy rains. Hundreds of families fled into the mountains as a huge mass of water destroyed their homes and livestock. A 17-year-old boy was carried away by the floods, bringing to 15 the number of people killed countrywide since the start of the heavy rains. Three schools were closed after people were evacuated from villages in the area. They ended up at Sipepa Hospital where tents were erected for the flood victims. School lessons are now being held in the open in the hospital grounds.

GOVERNMENT OF ZIMBABWE: (OCHA) Transport and repair of the road network are a priority. The acquisition of vehicles will allow the Civil Protection and Drought Management Units of the Government to assess and monitor the affected areas. Due to a lack of these, authorities have been forced to hire them at high prices. See Complex Emergencies. (South Africa)

INCIDENT: Floods

LOCATION: Twelve (12) regions of the Zakarpatian Oblast. 

CURRENT STATUS: (OCHA). The overall situation is stable with water levels increasing on smaller
rivers and a slight decrease on the Tisza River. As a result of the floods, nine persons lost their lives and approximately 5.000 persons are still displaced. The highest priority need, as requested by the Government
of Ukraine, remains high-capacity pumps. 

GOVERNMENT OF UKRAINE: (OCHA) According to information received from the Ukrainian Ministry of Emergencies and Population Protection from the Consequences of Chernobyl (MoE of Ukraine) and other sources, the situation on 28 March 2001, is as follows: Due to heavy rainfalls at the beginning of March and the annual melting of snow, severe floods hit the western part of Ukraine along all major
rivers (12 regions of the Zakarpatian Oblast/Transcarpathian Region). Historical heights of water levels had been exceeded. After a short stabilisation period, as a consequence of intensive rains, water levels
started to rise again on 19 March 2001 (as much as 1.2 to 1.8,). As of 28 March 2001, the situation is described as stable with an increase in water levels (up to 60 cm on the smaller rivers in the Trans-Carpathian Region) and a slight decrease (10-12 cm) on the Tisza River.

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE: (OCHA) - Focal point for coordination of foreign aid is: Coordination Center of the Ministry for Emergencies: Phone +38 044/ 247 3070 or 247 3015 - Fax:
+38 044/ 247 3233 (operating 24 hours); Focal point for reception and distribution of foreign aid is: Commission of Zakarpatian Administration on Humanitarian Assitance: Phone +38 03 122/
13247 or 33540 or 13114 - Fax: +38 03 122/ 12557 or 13114 - (operating 24
hours). 

Click on "Malawi" to get Country Information

INCIDENT: Floods

LOCATION: On 24 February, President of Malawi declared 13 of the 27 country's districts as disaster areas (Nsanje, Chikwawa, Karonga, Machinga, Blantyre, Dedza, Nkhotakota, Phalombe, Salima, Zomba, Mangochi, Mchinji and Thyolo).

CURRENT STATUS: (OCHA/CIDI) . Since mid-April, no heavy rains have been recorded and floodwaters have continued to recede in the affected area.  Access to the flood affected areas, such as Makhanga, Mankhokwe, Mbenje and parts of Phalombe has improved.  Affected families continue to go back to their villages to start rebuilding their homes.  With winter approaching and the temperature
dropping, living conditions of the affected families are getting more difficult.

GOVERNMENT OF MALAWI: (OCHA/CIDI))  The DDPRR continues its efforts in coordinating the Government response to the disaster and in raising funds to procure food commodities
for the victims.  The Vice President appealed for assistance for the recovery and rehabilitation phase.  The Ministries of Transport and Works, Health and Population, and Agriculture and Livestock Development have been tasked to expedite and finalize assessment of damages so as to provide donors with consolidated needs.  The Ministry of Agriculture is leading the appeal for farm inputs, particularly seeds, to be distributed to affected farmers for the winter planting season.

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE: (OCHA) OCHA is prepared to serve as channel for cash contributions to be used for immediate relief assistance, in co-ordination/consultation with relevant organisations in the United Nations system.  Funds should be transferred to OCHA account no. CO-590.160.0, Swift code: UBSWCHZ12A at the UBS AG, P.O. Box 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, with reference: "OCHA - Malawi - floods 2001". OCHA provides donors with written confirmation and
pertinent details concerning the utilisation of the funds contributed. Any future updates on contributions to this disaster may be found by clicking on Financial Tracking at the top of the page for this disaster on
the OCHA Internet Website ( http://www.reliefweb.int  ). Donors are requested to verify this table and inform OCHA Geneva of corrections/additions/values.  Donors are encouraged to notify OCHA Geneva
of their contributions to this disaster using the OCHA Standardized Contributions Recording Format, available electronically in the above mentioned Financial Tracking Website. OCHAContacts:

Telephone: +41-22-917 1234
Fax: +41-22-9170023
E-mail: ochagva@un.org
In case of emergency: Tel. +41-22-9172010
Desk Officers (OCHA Disaster Response Branch):
Mr. K. Wiersing /Ms. Y.  Sawada/Mr. M. Bonnel
direct Tel. +41 22 917 2270/1768/1457
Press contact: Mr. D. Kiniger-Passigli, Direct tel. +41-22-917 26 53

INCIDENT: An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter Scale and a depth of 60 km 

LOCATION: Off the El Salvadoran coastline some 65 miles southwest of San Miguel at 12.8 degrees latitude and 88.8 degrees longitude.

CURRENT STATUS: (USAID) As of February 2, El Salvador's National Emergency Committee (COEN)
reported 827 deaths, 4,520 injuries, 1,160,316 people affected, 92,080 houses destroyed, and 130,005 houses damaged. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that a total of 4,028 emergency shelters are operating in the departments of La Libertad, San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Miguel, Usulutan, Sonsonate, and San Vicente. There are pockets of damage throughout the country that range from 0% to 60% affected.  The southern and eastern portions of the country are most-affected, while little damage is in the north. 

BACKGROUND: (OCHA) The United Nations Resident Coordinator in El Salvador informs that aftershocks are still continuing, totaling 1,953 as of 21 January 2001, according to the National Emergency Committee (COEN). According to the same official figures released on 21 January, the death toll is 704, with 4,055 people injured and 573,609 people affected nationwide. 496 landslides have been recorded. 69,714 houses were destroyed and 104,865 damaged by the devastating earthquake of 13 January. The following departments are in greater need of assistance: La Paz (144,783 people affected), La Libertad (90,585), San Vicente (83,228) and Usulutan (81,662). Some 68,000 people have been evacuated so far. It is estimated that some 60,000 people are now in temporary shelters. In view of crowded shelter conditions (some 10,000 persons in the Cafetalon shelter in Santa Tecla), priority needs are mostly concentrated on basic humanitarian needs for the people in shelters. 

INCIDENT: Heavy rains and the release of water from the Kariba dam in Zambia,
caused flooding in the northwestern province of Tete.   

LOCATION: The Zambezi River burst its banks on 3 January, flooding farmland in the districts of Zumbo, Magoe and Mutarara. 

CURRENT STATUS: (OCHA)Some 10,000 people in Mutarara district are reported to be 'facing a difficult situation. Later in January, a tropical storm brought heavy rain to Quelimane, the capital of Zambezia, and other areas of the province.  On 28 January, a joint United Nations Disaster Management Team (UNDMT) comprising UN agencies, INGC, DFID, USAID, Action Aid, and Save the Children, went to the affected areas.  The mission reported that 19,000 - 23,000 people in six districts of the province were directly affected.  The rains inundated 4,078 houses and destroyed 425.  An unspecified number of displaced people are currently accommodated in temporary shelters, set up in schools and/or by relatives and neighbours.  The districts of Mopeia and Chinde are isolated.  Food and non-food items, pre-positioned by WFP and UNICEF respectively, are being distributed by the Government to the affected population. The outlook until 10 February is for dry conditions over the southern part of Mozambique, and generally wet conditions in the centre and north of the country.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A full Situation Report and further information on ongoing emergencies are also available on the OCHA Internet Website at: http://www.reliefweb.int

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE:

Action by Churches Together (ACT) is a worldwide alliance of churches and their related agencies, meeting human need through co-ordinated emergency response.  ACT Co-ordinator, Thor-Arne Prois (phone ++41 22 791 6033 or mobile phone ++ 41 79 203 6055) ACT Appeals Officer, John Nduna (phone +41 22 791 6040) The ACT Coordinating Office is based with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland.
Ecumenical Centre                          Phone: ++41-22-791.60.33
150, route de Ferney                        Fax: ++41-22-791.65.06
P.O. Box 2100                                 E-Mail: act@wcc-coe.org
1211 Geneva 2                              Telex: 415 730 OIK CH
   Switzerland                                 http://www.act-intl.org 

Epidemic of Haemorrhagic Dengue 2000

                                            Flooding