UN Readies $12 Million Appeal For Somalia Flood Victims

By Joe De Capua

Nairobi, Nov 28, 2006 – Humanitarian operations continue in the Horn of Africa, where heavy rains and floods have hit parts of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Matthew Olins is the deputy UN humanitarian coordinator for Somalia. From Nairobi, he spoke to VOA English to Africa Service reporter Joe De Capua that an emergency appeal will be made soon.

“We are due to launch a flood response appeal in the coming days…we hope to have a document in circulation in about two days. It’s in the ballpark (approximately) of about $12 million,” he says.

As for relief operations in Somalia, Olins says, “The relief efforts are intensifying. Currently, the response is adequate in Beletweyne and other parts of Hiran region and I can say the same for Jowhar and other parts o Middle Shabelle. Our response is not adequate yet in parts of Middle Juba and Lower Juba. We are currently carrying out an assessment of that area and we anticipate bringing in two helicopters to help us deliver assistance to flood affected areas.”

Olins says that some light trucks are able to venture into flooded areas. They’re carrying food aid from Mogadishu, as well as Somaliland and Puntland.

Source: Voice of America (VOA)

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