Situation in Numbers
2,776
children affected out of
4,633
affected people
(NDMA, Sept 2016)
UNICEF Appeal 2016*
$2,146,400. The Gambia’s is a part of the 2016 Sahel Chapter.
Flood Response needs $275,000.
Allocation for 2016 was $343,174.29 in total, of which a balance of $149,000 remains.
Highlights
Heavy rains, accompanied by windstorm, from August to date have caused significant destructions to public infrastructure and individual properties, resulting in the displacement of people, injuries and death.
So far, a total of 4,633 people from 418 households have been affected, with one death reported in North Bank Region. These numbers are inclined to increase as the rains have not yet ceased and more communities remain unassessed due to logistical constraints.
Of the affect population, the highest numbers are recorded in Central River (1,609) and West Coast (1,028) regions.
Humanitarian assistance is yet to reach the affected people who are challenged by lack of food, shelter and poor living conditions.
UNICEF has provided support to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to conduct a rapid needs assessment of the affected population in all the 7 administrative regions of the country, in conjunction with awareness raising activities on flood risk reduction.
Situation Overview and Humanitarian Needs
The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System forecasted a possible flooding in Upper River and Central River regions owing to an increase in the water level of the river. These regions are vulnerable due to high incidence of poverty and limited access to basic social services. The persistent heavy rains from August to date, coupled with strong winds, have caused displacement, injuries and death. As of 14th September 2016, the total population affected by floods and windstorms stands at 4,633 from 418 households, with one death reported in North Bank Region. Central River and West Coast regions were the worst affected areas. Class rooms in two schools within West Coast Region were destroyed, denying education to 1,850 children. In addition to that, available schools are being used for housing internally displaced families. This further denies children their right to access their schools.
Shelter and household food security are immediate priorities for the affected families, as some of them are sheltered in incomplete houses or at the nearest schools. Reduced access to safe water and submerged sanitation facilities continue to pose a major health risk in affected communities. The number of affected people will likely increase as more rains is forecasted up to the end of November.