Background

During June to September 2009, flooding in West Africa caused by unusually heavy rains affected 750,000 people, leaving 140 people dead. Sierra Leone, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Chad and Niger were among the 16 countries affected by the flooding.

Displaced people sheltered in temporary accommodation such as schools, churches and public buildings.

Affected families lost food supplies, medicines and other possessions. Water borne diseases, displacement of people, destruction of livelihoods and inadequate shelter were of continual concern as the effects of the flooding took hold.

World Vision’s response

World Vision responded to the flooding in affected areas, coordinating closely with partners to undertake effective responses. Specific responses include:

Burkina Faso
A response team was established to work with UN agencies to assess and monitor the flood-prone area on the border with Ghana for potential action.

Ghana
World Vision distributed food and non-food items such as blankets to affected families and is monitoring the safety of children in affected areas.

Sierra Leone
World Vision has begun distributing food and non-food items such as water-purification kits, cooking items, hygiene kits and building materials to affected families. Interventions in livelihood protection, including replacing livestock and seeds, also took place.

Senegal
Food supplies, fuel and 480 mosquito nets were distributed to affected families before recovery assistance was provided.

Chad and Niger
World Vision distributed shelter materials, food and non-food items, and household and hygiene kits to affected families.