The Federation's mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. It is the world's largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in over 185 countries.
In Brief
This DREF Bulletin is being issued based on the situation described below reflecting the information available at this time. CHF 69,940 (USD 58,090 or EUR 42,389) has been allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to respond to the needs in this operation. This operation is expected to be implemented over one month, and will be completed by end of September 2007; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.
For longer-term programmes, please refer to the Federation's Annual Appeal.
Background and current situation
Intense and unusually prolonged rains that have been pounding Niger since the end of July 2007 have resulted in serious flooding which has caused widespread damage in Niamey, Agadez, Maradi, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder and Diffa regions. According to the National Early Warning System, approximately 14,000 people have been affected, among them 7,100 women and 2,600 children aged under five years. Three people have so far perished while severe damage has been caused to public infrastructure such as schools, health care facilities, roads, bridges, water supply systems, power and telephone lines and housing. Farm fields have not been spared, with motor pumps fully or partially destroyed, a situation which has deprived many families of their means of agricultural production. In the northern zone of Dabaga alone, 30 hectares of farmland have been destroyed.
Weather forecasts indicate that the rains will persist in the coming days; therefore the number of people affected by flooding is likely to increase. The flooding poses health risks, such as waterborne disease outbreaks and other related infections. Interventions aimed at minimizing such risks, thus, need to be prioritized.
Red Cross and Red Crescent action
In order to respond in a timely manner, the Red Cross Society of Niger (RCSN) mobilized its volunteers to assist in evacuating people from flooded areas and conducting a rapid needs assessment. In accordance to its mandate, the RCSN mobilized 19 tonnes of cereals and 15 tents to assist the flood-affected people. In close collaboration with Federation Zone office in Dakar and the Federation water and sanitation (WatSan) delegate in Niger, the National Society has prepared a plan of action for a one-month intervention.
Government action
Following the flooding, an ad hoc committee was set up by the Government of Niger. The RCSN, through its national disaster management department, is part of that committee and is actively participating in meetings. Other members of the committee include the National Early Warning System, UN agencies, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international NGOs (INGOs).
So far, the government has already distributed 442 tonnes of cereals, 3,810 blankets and 3,810 mosquito nets to more than 9,000 people. It is also in the process of distributing XOF 50,000 (CHF 125) per household to assist in reconstruction of destroyed houses.
Action by other agencies
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has intervened in Tahoua (Madoua), Agadez (Iferouane) and Zinder (Tesker). The agency has already distributed 150 hygiene kits in Madoua, 91 kits in Iferouane and 36 kits in Tesker. Each kit contains 10 metres of tarpaulin, 4 blankets, 2 impregnated mosquito nets, 3 jerry cans and 10 bars of soap.