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Niger + 14 more

OCHA - Geneva Natural Disasters Highlights No. 2

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Secretary General's visit to Niger
The Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, visited Niger from 22 to 25 August to see first-hand United Nations efforts to help the people of one of the world's poorest countries face the challenges of drought, desertification and the recent locust plague that have caused severe food shortages and put nearly 3 million people at risk.

The mission was intended to show solidarity with the people and Government of Niger and also to help focus international attention on the special developmental challenges faced by the countries of the Sahel, such as Niger.

The revised Flash Appeal, launched on 8 August 2005, seeks US$ 80.9 million for an extended period up till December 2005. As of 17 August, the appeal is 36% funded with US$ 29.1 million received, thus leaving a new shortfall of US$ 51.1 million. Three appealing agencies represent 94% of total Appeal namely; WFP (US$ 57.6 million), UNICEF (US$ 14.6 million) and FAO (3.9 million).

On 3 August, Jan Egeland, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, appointed the UN Resident Coordinator for Niger, Mr. Michele Falavigna, as Humanitarian Coordinator.

Sierra Leone Floods 22 August:

Heavy rainfall in southern Sierra Leone from 13 to 14 August has led to flooding in nine of twelve chiefdoms in the country's Pujehun district. Preliminary reports show that some 3000 individuals have been affected. However, continued inaccessibility of many villages has made it difficult to provide an exact assessment of the number affected. The United Nations country team dispatched an inter-agency assessment mission to six of the most affected areas. The Government has requested international assistance. OCHA continues to closely monitor the situation.

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