Namibia: UN appeal for funds to respond to flood emergency

"This appeal is founded upon the initial results of a joint rapid assessment led by the Government of Namibia and supported by over 50 staff from UN agencies, the Namibian Red Cross and other national and international agencies," said Kari Egge, the UN Resident Coordinator for Namibia.

"We intend to support the Government of Namibia in mounting a timely, consistent and coordinated response to minimize the humanitarian consequences on the population through the provision of technical advice in key sectors, monitoring of relief activities, and provision of coordination and information management support," she said.

According to the Namibia Meteorological Service, the higher water table in the affected areas has risen as a result of recurring floods over the past three years, meaning that the flood water is unlikely to recede in such areas for as much as three to six months.

The Government of Namibia is leading the flood response and the appeal by the UN humanitarian country team is seeking funding for five priority sectors in support of national efforts over a three to six months period. The targeted sectors are food security, health and nutrition, protection, education, water, sanitation and hygiene.

The Namibian President declared a flood emergency in the northern and northeast regions of the country on Mar 29, as the country issued an international appeal for assistance.