IOM Provides Aid, Transport to Zimbabwe Flood Victims

GENEVA, Switzerland, February 14, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Unusually heavy rains over the past two months have led to severe flooding across Zimbabwe, notably in Masvingo province close to the partially constructed Tokwe Murkosi dam.

The flooding has affected over 2,230 families who are in the process of being evacuated from the dam basin. A further estimated 60, 000 people downstream are reported to be at risk of flooding if the rain persists.

The government, which is appealing for nearly USD 20 million in aid, has declared a state of disaster and IOM Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the Department of Civil Protection (DCP), is providing emergency humanitarian and transport assistance to the flood victims.

The IOM assistance provided to date includes 4,307 tarpaulin tents for emergency shelter, 600 standard non-food relief item (NFI) kits to replace damaged household property, 25 rolls of plastic sheeting for temporary toilets, 50,000 aquatabs for water purification, 400 blankets, 400 mosquito nets and three 5,000 litre collapsible water tanks.

IOM is leading the response in the areas of emergency shelter, NFIs and mobile health services, in partnership with relevant government departments. It has also provided two buses and four heavy duty trucks to evacuate flood victims and their belongings.

IOM Zimbabwe and its humanitarian partners are also appealing to donors for funding to continue to meet the emergency humanitarian needs of the flood victims.