Torrential rains cause flooding in Burkina Faso

Torrential rains have caused flooding in the northern region of Burkina Faso, affecting two of Plan’s program areas.

Heavy rains fell during the night of July 21, with over 9 inches hitting the Plan community of Namentenga; this high quantity of rainfall represents approximately 1/3 of the entire rainwater that is usually registered in Namentenga during a full year.

Five out of the eight rural communes in the Namentenga area were completely flooded, with 672 households losing all their houses and/or property. The Plan program of Sanmatenga was also badly affected, with 2 of its communes sustaining major damage.

Eight deaths and 2 injuries were reported.

Plan’s response

A Plan team was in the field on July 23, to meet with local public authorities and assess the damage.

In most of the areas visited, the only infrastructures which withstood the floodwaters are schools and community centers built with concrete. These are currently being used as temporary shelters, with overcrowding adding to the vulnerability of the populations, particularly of the children. Approximately 6,000 people are currently being housed in temporary shelters.

Plan is coordinating with the local government to monitor the situation and implement the response. Major concerns are currently focused on water, hygiene and sanitation in order to prevent the development and spread of diseases. Displaced families are also being relocated into larger shelter sites in order to reduce overcrowding and provide aid more easily.

Plan has also set up an intervention team to provide support to affected families in the form of healthcare, food aid, potable water, non-food items, shelter and protection.

To provide support to children and families affected by flooding in Burkina Faso, donate to our Disaster Relief and Recovery programs.