Gabon: Windstorms - DREF Operation Update #2 (MDRGA015)

Country: Gabon Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date of event 08-03-2026 What happened, where and when? On the afternoon of 8 March 2026, torrential rains accompanied by strong winds struck the localities of Franceville, Moanda, and SUCAF in Haut-Ogooué Province, causing significant material damage, particularly in the 3rd and 4th districts of Franceville. Rainfall has continued in these areas, raising concerns that the situation may further deteriorate. Damage reported so far includes the partial or complete destruction of roofs on houses and public buildings, fallen trees blocking houses and public roads, and the loss of household belongings such as furniture, clothing, mattresses, and school supplies. Some schools have also reported the loss of educational equipment. These impacts have created an urgent humanitarian situation for several hundred families. According to a preliminary report from the committee dated 15 March, approximately 331 households (1,655 people) have been affected by the storms, while rapid assessments are still ongoing in other impacted areas. With the inclusion of Franceville, the target population for assistance now rises to a cumulative total of 730 households, including 300 in Libreville, 150 in Mouila, and 280 in Franceville, representing approximately 3,650 people targeted for humanitarian assistance. Across these areas, torrential rains and violent winds have caused extensive damage to housing, public infrastructure, and essential services, while also displacing several households. Earlier, on 23 January 2026, Mouila (Ngounié Province) experienced heavy rainfall and strong winds that affected more than 1,500 people, including approximately 150 households whose roofs were damaged or destroyed and who lost household belongings and school materials. Volunteers and neighborhood leaders are currently registering affected populations and supporting communities, while the official response from authorities is still pending. The planned intervention will prioritize 450 of the most severely affected individuals, representing the most vulnerable households. Prior to this, in Libreville (Estuaire Province, 5th and 6th districts), severe storms during the night of 15–16 December 2025 caused widespread destruction. More than 300 houses, a school, several businesses, administrative buildings, utility poles, and the maternity ward of the Estuaire Regional Hospital were partially or completely destroyed. Approximately 3,000 people (600 households) were affected. Some families are currently sheltering outdoors under makeshift structures, while others have sought refuge with relatives or neighbors. In this context, timely humanitarian assistance is critical to address immediate shelter and essential household needs, restore a minimum level of dignity and safety for affected families, and prevent further deterioration of living conditions. The planned response targeting the most vulnerable households will help stabilize affected communities while complementing ongoing assessments and potential longer-term recovery efforts.

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