VZCZCXRO1729
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHNK #0574/01 2521611
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 091611Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY NOUAKCHOTT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8749
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEHDK/AMEMBASSY DAKAR 7230

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NOUAKCHOTT 000574 
 
AIDAC 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS TO OFDA 
DAKAR FOR OFDA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAID MR SOCI
SUBJECT: MAURITANIAN DISASTER DECLARATION CABLE: HEAVY 
RAINS CAUSE SEVERE FLOODING IN SOUTHERN MAURITANIA 
 
¶1. Pursuant to the authority stated in Section 062, Volume 2 
of the Foreign Affairs Manual, and in accordance with OFDA's 
mandate to save lives, alleviate suffering and reduce the 
economic impact of disasters, I, Ambassador Mark Boulware, 
have determined that Mauritania is suffering from a disaster 
that is beyond the emergency response capacity of national 
and local authorities in southern Mauritania, particularly 
the city of Rosso. 
 
¶2. The human suffering in Rosso and surrounding villages is 
particularly acute after the most recent floods, and could 
potentially worsen if predicted rains continue. A joint U.S. 
Embassy and UN mission conducted a field assessment in Rosso 
and the Mauritanian government is still evaluating the 
situation. The areas hardest hit by the floods are some of 
the poorest areas in Mauritania.  The GIRM is challenged to 
meet the basic needs of residents of these areas under normal 
conditions, and will not be capable of rapidly and 
sufficiently meeting the most pressing basic needs of those 
relocated to temporary evacuation camps. The floods in Rosso 
occured during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a time when 
Muslims are encouraged to help the less-fortunate in society. 
This aid request is an opportunity for the USG to engage in 
an act of generosity during a time when it will be 
particularly well-received by Muslim Mauritanians. After 
discussions with the Office of the Prime Minister, Post 
received notification from Alioune Ould Issa, the Director of 
the Prime Minister's Cabinet, agreeing on behalf of the GIRM 
to accept the USG assistance outlined below. 
 
¶3. Preliminary data indicate that: 
 
-- 174 mm of rain fell on Rosso between August 27-28, 2009, 
with forecasts for moderate rainfall in the next few days 
 
-- Over 2,000 families (10,000 individuals) in Rosso have 
been displaced and relocated to camps. 
 
-- Many neighborhoods are flooded, including: 75% of Sattara, 
90-95% or Rosso-Lycee, and 70% of Rosso-El Jedida 
 
-- Camps for the displaced persons are ill-equipped to handle 
the number of residents, with the spread of disease and the 
prospect of food and clean water shortages looming in the 
immediate future. 
 
-- The U.S. Embassy and UN team noted the lack of waste 
management facilities in the camps. 
 
-- Reports from Selibaby and other areas in southern 
Mauritania are still being prepared.  Access to smaller 
villages is difficult as local dykes were overwhelmed and 
local bridges and roadways were washed away. 
 
¶4. UNICEF has drafted a plan to address sanitation needs in 
the region hardest hit by the floods. UNICEF is ready to 
commence work within 48 hours if they receive the necessary 
funding.  UNICEF has requested USD 25,100 from the USG to 
support their plans to purchase and install 25 latrines to 
alleviate some of the most immediate sanitation problems in 
the displaced persons camps of Rosso. The budget provided by 
UNICEF is reasonable and they have the capacity to implement 
this project. 
 
¶5.  Mission requests USD 25,100 as per Ambassador's 
authority.  These funds will be issued to UNICEF for 
procurement of 25 latrines, disinfectant, soaps, and the 
transportation and installation of the latrines at the camps 
in Rosso. The U.S. Embassy has a strong working relationship 
with UNICEF and we believe they will be a competent and 
efficient partner in addressing the most pressing sanitation 
needs of those most in need.  Mission will follow UNICEF's 
progress and ensure that funds are used appropriately. 
 
¶6. Development partners working in the south indicate many 
other villages have been severely impacted by the rains with 
grain stocks for food and for planting often washed away. 
Concerns of a worsening food security situation in this 
region (already above 15% for moderate and severe 
malnutrition) lead Post to request OFDA assistance in 
evaluating the short to medium food security situation and 
developing appropriate responses.  Post is aware WFP is 
encouraging GIRM to declare an emergency, however it is 
possible such a decision may be considered politically 
untenable for the newly elected administration. Post would 
appreciate technical advice to be provided to the Ambassador 
on how best to calibrate USG's emergency interventions as 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000574  002 OF 002 
 
 
they relate to the floods and in particular the challenges of 
malnutrition. 
BOULWARE