Johannesburg - The Red Cross on Tuesday launched an emergency appeal for a little more than one million dollars for the victims of severe floods in the south-west African desert state of Namibia.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is seeking 1.44 million Swiss francs (1.27 million dollars) to fund its relief operation in the country, where at least 92 people have been killed in some of the worst floods in the country in years.

Heavy seasonal rains have caused rivers in the north and north- east of the country, on the borders with Angola, Zambia and Botswana, to flood surrounding areas, leaving thousands homeless and cutting off access to schools and health facilities.

Over 276,000 people are affected in Namibia and a further 160,000 in Angola.

Namibia's government last week declared an emergency and appealed for international aid, warning that the region faced serious hunger problems after vast tracts of cropland were submerged.

The Red Cross said at least 92 people had been killed in Namibia. Several have been killed in attacks by crocodiles and hippos along swollen river banks. At least
25 have died of malaria, which is common in the region during flooding.

The Red Cross said it was providing food, shelter and other aid to 20,000 of the most vulnerable flood victims in Namibia and was also assisting the relief effort in Angola. (dpa)