Niger: Addressing Devastating Flooding

Flooding

About 353,000 people have been forced out of their homes in Niger following recent flooding exacerbated by climate change.

Development Diaries reports that about 217 people have lost their lives so far to flooding in the West African country, leaving another 200 persons wounded, according to Care International.

This year’s rainy season has devastated the country’s population, with over 16,900 livestock killed and over 3,000 hectares of crops and 21.5 tonnes of food destroyed.

We understand that the floods have also increased the risk of waterborne diseases, with cholera and malaria posing additional threats to the country’s population.

‘Niger is a nation already facing a convergence of climate change, conflict, political instability, and hunger’, says Care International Niger-Burkina Faso Country Director, Yawo Douvon.

‘As a result of these factors, more than 4.3 million Nigeriens rely on humanitarian aid to survive, 404,000 of whom are internally displaced. 3.7 million in Niger face severe food insecurity’.

The country is already burdened with humanitarian commitments as the recent influx of displaced individuals from Burkina Faso has exacerbated food insecurity, making nutritional support a critical priority, especially for malnourished children.

Niger is the main country of asylum in West Africa, hosting an estimated 700,000 forcibly displaced people populations in search of international protection.

Due to flooding, the country needs urgent assistance regarding food, cash, non-food items, shelter kits, water, sanitation and hygiene.

Development Diaries calls on donor agencies and other development partners to collaborate with the Nigerien authorities to provide urgent support in the response to the impact of the flooding and the deepening humanitarian crisis.

Photo source: Care International

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp

About the Author