This Operations Update is requesting an extension to the timeframe of the operation by four weeks (New end date: 31 May 2016) to enable the completion of the activities planned in the Dodoma district and an IFRC monitoring mission to be conducted to provide verification that the activities planned in Rufiji district remain relevant and appropriate to the needs of the population and the mandate of the DREF tool.
A. Situation analysis
Description of the disaster
From 17 – 18 January 2016, Dodoma Municipality and Bahi district (Dodoma region) in Tanzania experienced significant flooding as a result of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds. According to initial assessment carried out by the Tanzania Red Cross Society (TRCS) branch in Dodoma, there are at least 300 displaced families (1,500 people) both in Dodoma Municipality and Bahi district who are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. On 18 January 2015, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) released 111,642 Swiss francs from the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the TRCS respond to the immediate needs of 300 families (1,500 people), affected by flooding in Dodoma Municipality and Bahi district with support in shelter, settlements, water and sanitation and Non-Food items (NFIs), while targeting 1,072 families (5,450 people – of which the 300 families are included) in Dodoma region, for a period of 4) months, specifically in the areas of first aid and hygiene promotion.
From 10 – 15 February 2016, the Rufiji district in Coast region experienced further rains and flooding. According to the assessment data collected by the Rufiji district authority. An estimated 11,137 families (53,446 people) were affected by the floods, which affected fifteen (15) wards. Houses were submerged in flood waters and others completely damaged leaving over 3,000 people displaced. On 8 March 2016, the IFRC released 116,629 Swiss franc from the DREF to expand the planned activities support an additional 610 families (3,050 people) in the Rujifi district, Coast region and extend the timeframe by 2 weeks (until 30 April 2016).
Following the release of the additional allocation, delay was experienced in funds transfer from the IFRC to TRCS which has had, implications on local procurement of NFIs and also disruptions in the international procurement of NFIs due to change in customs procedures following inauguration of the new Government in Tanzania. As a result, there have been delays experienced in the implementation of the planned activities in Dodoma and Rufiji districts. (Please refer to the “Detailed Operational Plan” section for information on the progress made/challenges). In Dodoma district, most of the planned activities have been completed. The affected population in Dodoma are still displaced, therefore the need to continue with the interventions as per the original Emergency Plan of Action remains. In Rufiji district, limited activities planned have been completed and given that, the affected population are being hosted in their communities there is need to assess if there is a need to continue with the interventions. This Operations Update is requesting an extension to the timeframe of the operation by 4 weeks (New end date: 31 May 2016) to enable the completion of the activities planned in the Dodoma district, and an IFRC monitoring mission to be conducted to provide verification that the activities planned in Rufiji district remain relevant and appropriate to the needs of the population, and the mandate of the DREF tool. Following the monitoring of the situation in Rufiji, a decision will then be made if the activities planned should be continued. The DREF operation will end on 31 May 2016, and a final report will be made available on 31 August 2016 (three months after the end of the DREF operation).
The major donors and partners of the DREF include the Red Cross Societies and governments of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the USA, as well as DG ECHO, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) the Medtronic and Zurich Foundations and other corporate and private donors. The IFRC, on behalf of the Red Cross Society of Tanzania would like to extend many thanks to all partners for their generous contributions.
Please refer to Operations Update no.1 for further information on the DREF operation – the “Operational Strategy” and “Operational support services” remains unchanged.