INTERSOS VISITA LE REGIONI DELLO YEMEN COLPITE DALL' ALLUVIONE

INTERSOS si trova insieme all'Alto commissariato delle Nazioni Unite per i Rifugiati (UNHCR) nelle regioni meridionali dello Yemen, le più colpite dall’alluvione che si è abbattuta nelle aeree lungo il Golfo di Aden domenica scorsa. La missione composta da alcune agenzie dell’Onu e Ong sta verificando l’entità dei danni provocati dall’alluvione e i bisogni più urgenti, pianificando gli interventi per aiutare le popolazioni colpite.

Finora nel distretto di Seyoon, nel governatorato di Hadramout, il numero degli sfollati è di oltre 10,000 persone e 2152 case sono state distrutte; il governo yemenita ha aperto circa 30 centri di accoglienza, dentro scuole e in tendopoli. Con l’alluvione sono state abbattute oltre 100 fattorie per la coltivazione di palme da dattero, banane e papaie; una grande quantità di animali da lavoro e d’allevamento è rimasta travolta e il prossimo raccolto è in serio pericolo. Anche la produzione di miele, una delle principali fonti di reddito per gli abitanti della regione, subirà un drastico calo.

Gli aiuti sono giunti con grande difficoltà, dopo la riapertura delle strade, nella città di Sah, una delle maggiormente colpite nell’area: 300 case distrutte, 25 morti e 15 dispersi.

Lungo la regione costiera dell’Hadramout, oltre 900 abitazioni risultano distrutte, e sei ospedali del capoluogo Mukalla hanno riportato forti danni. Le strade, con alcuni segmenti completamente cancellati, rendono difficilmente raggiungibili cinque distretti.

L’UNHCR sta intervenendo con la distribuzione di kit di prima necessità alle famiglie sfollate nel distretto di Seyoon, tra cui tende, materassi, coperte, saponi, utensili da cucina, mentre il Programma Alimentare Mondiale (WFP) provvede alla distribuzione di cibo. Vi sono risposte di solidarietà anche dai vicini paesi del Golfo: l’Oman ha già provveduto ad inviare un ospedale mobile. Garantire l’assistenza ai malati e riportare acqua potabile e elettricità nelle zone colpite sono le necessità più impellenti.

INTERSOS è presente nello Yemen dall’inizio del 2008 per fornire protezione e assistenza ai rifugiati somali in fuga dalla guerra, ospitati nel campo di Kharaz e nella zona urbana di Aden.

Flood victim assessment in Sah, Hadramout governorate 29 Oct. 2008

As a part of the joint flood victims assessment to Hadramout governorate several participants mission from EU (ECHO),Intersos, DRC, SHS went on a brief visit in order to assess the situation in the one most affected areas of the Wadi Hadramout, specifically to the Village of Sah, located around 82 Km from Saywun.

The roads in Hadramout have been severely damaged due to the floods. Therefore the assessment team was kindly provided with a civilian helicopter which not only made the transportation to Sah possible, but also gave the assessment team the opportunity to obtain a complete overview of the general situation in the valley, that is the damage to agriculture, infrastructure, villages etc.

Observations from the air: The flight from Saywun to Sah took around 30 minutes. We flew through Hadramout valley. We did not see any major damages to villages or houses. Neither did we observe major damages to the roads. However we did see several agricultural fields which were flooded. Also numerous palm trees in the plantations along the valley had been eradicated. It should be stressed that these observations were made from the air 300-500 meters above the valley and consequently be inaccurate.

Observations in Sah: When we approached Sah village in became evident that major destructions had occurred. We were told that 25 persons were killed during the floods. 15 persons are apparently still missing from Sah. We saw a family desperately digging in the rubble of what used to be their home, searching for their mother. Except for minor pits of water the wadi is now almost dry.

Houses and displaced people: Hundreds of houses in Sah village have been completely destroyed. The worst affected areas were the constructions located relatively low and around 100-300 meters from the river bed. We estimate that the flood waves most have been at least 10 meters high, at its maximum strength, which caused severe damages and the complete destructions to many buildings located behind the main road. According to the local population we spoke to around 250-300 houses had been destroyed (This number is a estimate) and require immediate and total reconstruction (The houses are all build with traditional mud bricks, including the foundation). We met and spoke to several people who has lost their houses and all their belongings. The informed us that they currently live with relatives or neighbors from the village. This is probably also the reason why we did not see any tents or temporary settlements. At this time it is difficult to obtain accurate numbers of individuals who have lost their homes. However based on the information (300 houses) and information from locals that each house contains around 30 persons which means approximately 1000 individuals are in need of shelter.

Infrastructure:

• Water, the water supply in the village had been severely damaged and water is currently provided with water trucks. The people we spoke to complained that the authorities do not provide them with enough water. We saw several destroyed wells located in the valley, most likely used by farmers for both agricultural and personal use. Reconstructions of wells and pumps will be needed. Also due to the dead livestock it is possible that water is contaminated.

• Electricity, there is currently no electricity in Sah village.

• Road conditions, The roads seemed badly affected in the village, especially the main road close to the river bed. However we observed that temporary reconstructions of the roads is ongoing and Sah is accessible by road.

Agriculture and livestock, the fertile areas around the river bed had been strongly affected. All kind of crops, fruit trees and the palm plantations was destroyed. Based on our views we estimate that between 20-30 percent of palm tree plantations is lost. According to the local population many families had lost all their animals. The mission participants observed a few dead animals, goats and sheep. On of the major income generating sectors, the honey production has also been strongly affected.

Potential health problems, The numerous dead animals scattered around the valley could lead to potential health risks and is urgent to that the animals are found beneath the ruble and buried.

Other observations: During our short visit we did not see any distribution of any humanitarian aid. Also we did not see the presence of any aid workers assisting the local population searching for potential survivors. All the local people we spoke to strongly recommended that any aid and assistance was distributed directly from donors to them - and not through the government. We received this suggestion from a variety of people in Sah in different locations and moments during our visit.

Conclusive remarks on possible assistance:

1. Immediate actions: Distribution of food and water on a sufficient and daily basis. Shelter, temporary housing.

2. Short/medium action: Infrastructural reconstruction ( water supply, electricity) reconstruction of houses, support to agricultural rehabilitation (crops and livestock)

3. Medium/Long term: Looking into technical solutions in order to prevent similar disasters in the future.

We hope these findings will be useful in the overall UN assessment report.

Mukalla on 29th of October 2008

Massimo Turato, Intersos Yemen, Head of Mission.

Morten Lisborg, Protection Manager, DRC Yemen.