Children’s charity, Plan International, have released a report this week giving details of the current flood situation in Niger. Plan International has deployed aid workers to some of the areas of the country worst affected by the recent floods. Their concern is that around 80% of the flood victims are children. Many of those affected by the floods are in need of shelter, food and sanitation.
At least 20 people have died as a result of the recent floods in Niger and it is believed that as many as 50,000 people have been left homeless. Prolonged heavy rainfall resllted in large parts of the country being under water. The worst hit areas are Maradi and Zinder, but Agadez and areas around the capital Niamey have also suffered. Houses have been reported to have collapsed in the floods or as a result of mud slides. Those left homeless are sleeping in schools or in mosques.
The flooding first struck in Niger in mid August, and the heavy rainfall has continued since, causing increased destruction and homelessness. According to Plan, the heavy rainfall is expected to continue.
Still of grave concern is the affect the floods will have on the food and farming situation. Many of this year’s new crops have been destroyed in the floods and there is still a threat of locust plagues once the floods have cleared. Many of the country’s poor are still struggling after last year’s food crisis.
Mamoudou Madougou, Plan’s emergency response manager in Niger said, “Plan’s focus will be on children – making sure they are safe from disease, have food supplies and are receiving the emotional support they need as the rains continue.”
Map:
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Source: Trust; Plan International
