Floods in Niger claim 217 lives and displace 353 000
Image credit: France24 (stillshot)
Floods caused by heavy rainfall have displaced 353 000 people Niger over the past 3 months. At least 217 people have lost their lives and more than 3 000 ha (7 413 acres) of crops were destroyed.
The ongoing rainy season in Niger has caused widespread devastation, severely affecting the population. Over the past three months, heavy rainfall and flooding have displaced more than 353 000 people.
The floods have resulted in the loss of 217 lives and injuries to 200 others. The regions of Maradi, Zinder, and Tahoua are the worst affected.
Over 16 900 livestock have perished, and more than 3 000 ha (7 413 acres) of crops have been destroyed. Additionally, 21.5 tons of food have been lost, compounding the challenges of food security in the region.
The floods have also raised concerns about increased risks of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and malaria, which could further exacerbate the situation. The rainy season in Niger typically lasts until the end of September, and more rainfall is expected in the coming weeks.
In response to the flooding, CARE teams in Niger, in collaboration with local partners, have been mobilizing relief efforts. Their response includes providing food, cash, non-food items, shelter kits, and support for water, sanitation, and hygiene. This week, CARE teams distributed cash transfers to affected families in Maradi.
“Niger is a nation already facing a convergence of climate change, conflict, political instability, and hunger. 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,” said Yawo Douvon, CARE Niger-Burkina Faso Country Director.
References:
1 Niger: Devastating floods displace over 350,000 people – CARE – August 28, 2024
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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