HIGHLIGHTS
Heavy rains and widespread flooding has affected several thousands of displaced people in Baghdad and other parts of the country.
More than 2,400 people have been infected by cholera in Iraq. Vaccination campaign launched to complement ongoing response.
Humanitarian partners support displaced people to cope with colder weather.
FIGURES
# of people in need 8.7m
# of people targeted for assistance 5.6m
# of internally displaced persons (IDPs) 3.2m
# of IDPs who live outside camps 2.9m
# of affected people in host communities 3.2m
# of returnees 0.42m
# of Syrian refugees 0.25m
FUNDING
498 million requested for July to December 2015 (US$)
44% ($218 million)
Funding against the JulyDecember HRP
$417 million Total received for Iraq against humanitarian appeals in 2015 (reflects funding on FTS as of 5 November 2015)
Flooding wreaks havoc in Iraqi capital
Tens of thousands of displaced people affected by the torrential downpour Heavy rains in late October have caused flooding in and around Baghdad, as surface drainage is minimal. Sewer systems have overflowed and caused open sewage to mix with floodwaters. The floods also contributed to increased power outages as many power stations were flooded and authorities have reported deaths caused by electrocution. Roads were damaged and drainage systems blocked even days after the rains stopped.
The Iraqi Prime Minister on 1 November declared the status of emergency in areas overwhelmed by the heavy rains. He called for mobilisation of ministries, provinces, security forces, civil defence and civilian volunteers for rescue efforts in Baghdad and other affected governorates.
Humanitarian partners estimate that the floods have affected at least 84,000 displaced people staying in more than 40 sites and camps, mostly in Baghdad and Anbar governorates. On 5 November, the rains started in Baghdad again after a few days respite. The number of affected people may rise as partners receive more information about conditions on the ground. Flooding has also been reported from other governorates including Diyala, Salah al-Din and Sulaymaniyah.
Emergency response to meet most urgent needs of displaced people
Some displaced people are sheltering in schools, religious buildings or with host families as tents have been destroyed or damaged across numerous locations. Iraqi Government authorities have provided excavators and relocated people from affected displacement sites. Humanitarian partners in coordination with the Government are working to respond to humanitarian needs. Key concerns include shelter, household items, food and clean water. Pumping flooded areas and distributing plastic sheets, blankets, tents, hygiene kits and emergency food rations have been prioritised. In early November, about 2,650 displaced people in settlements in Ameriyat al Falluja and Baghdad received core relief items such as mattresses, kitchen sets, kerosene, water jerry cans and plastic sheeting.
Almost 1,900 tents had been provided by humanitarian partners and the Ministry of Displacement and Migration. Two-day food rations have also been distributed to over 30,000 displaced people in settlements in Baghdad and Anbar. The flood affected areas are causing public health risks. Health partners are increasing epidemiological surveillance as the floods may lead to an increase in cholera cases, following the week-long incubation period of the virus.