'Over 54,000 displaced by floods in Namibia'

More than 54,000 people have been displaced by heavy floods in Namibia, says the United Nations.

More than 54,000 people have been displaced by heavy floods in Namibia, the United Nations said on Friday.

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Nearly one-third of these people, whose villages and homes were submerged are taking shelter in relocation camps, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said.

Damaged roads and bridges are impeding full access to almost 350,000 people, or 17 per cent of the South African nation's population, affected by the widespread floods.

Since the beginning of 2009, torrential rains in the north-central and north-eastern regions of Namibia have swollen rivers to levels not recorded since 1963 and claimed some 100 lives.

Shelter, water and sanitation, health care and food have been identified by a UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination mission as the main humanitarian needs.

UN agencies have requested additional staff to respond to needs arising from the flood. The $2.7 million flash appeal issued last month - half of which has been funded so far - will be updated based on assessments.