Summary: Heavy and persistent seasonal rainfall in late August and early September 2009 throughout the country affected an estimated 150,000 people. Initial reports indicated that nine people died, 48,000 were without shelter and were living in temporary facilities, and over 1,000 persons were injured. In addition to the immediate human toll, considerable losses or damage to household materials, crops, livestock, and basic infrastructure (roads, bridges, factories, hospitals and dams) were recorded. Fire brigade teams were working around the clock to preserve assets and prevent any further damage. The government made available 93 temporary sites to host those who could not find accommodation and were sheltered in schools and public buildings. The situation was dire as most of these sites did not have either the capacity to accommodate or the appropriate facilities and they were generally located in flood-prone areas. Some improvised sites were created by the affected population while others were still camping at their former homes to look after the remains of their houses.
The Burkinabe Red Cross Society (BRCS) mobilized 150 volunteers to assist the affected communities and undertook activities to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases. The International Federation deployed a Field Assessment and Coordination Team (FACT) to reinforce the regional disaster response team (RDRT) members already in place. Emergency Response Units (ERUs) for relief and logistics were deployed. Based on assessments and subsequent revision of the plan of action, BRCS, supported by the FACT and ERUs, assisted emergency and temporary resettlement phases of the plan, distributing non-food items, installing sanitation facilities and supporting the relocation of beneficiaries in temporary shelter located at sites selected by government. The operation also reinforced the water distribution network and hygiene promotion. Phase 3 (recovery) activities provided building materials and training of 360 Red Cross volunteers, masons and craftsmen related to shelter and construction.
The operation showed that the relatively good preparedness was translated into early response. There was also good coordination between health and watsan departments to link non-food items distribution with health and watsan as an integrated "response package". The detailed assessment and coordination mechanisms with the government had a positive impact on the whole operation.
All operations-related appeals, reports, updates and information are available on the Appeals, plans and updates section of the web site: http://www.ifrc.org/en/publications-and-reports/appeals/