In August, heavy rains in Niger caused the worst flooding in 100 years. One of the most affected areas was the southern region of Dosso. Later the banks of the Niger River overflowed and caused flooding to occur in the region of Tillabery in the north and in the capital city Niamey. Approximately 145 communities have been impacted and extensive farmland is submerged in water. Thousands of people have been left homeless.
The country had already been recovering from several droughts in the past few years. This recent extreme flooding has further hindered people’s abilities to feed their families. World Renew/CRWRC is poised to respond.
“World Renew has a nearly 20 year history of working in the country of Niger,” said Wayne de Jong, World Renew Director of Disaster Response and Rehabilitation. “We have several long-term community development programs throughout rural and urban regions. In April we began a major response to the severe drought that has left millions in urgent need of food. In addition to providing food rations, we also provided farmers with seeds to plant for the next harvest season.”
Official reports suggest that more than 400,000 Nigeriens are affected by this latest disaster. Of this number, nearly 14,000 families have been left homeless and without food after their houses and crops flooded.
Together with its long-term community development partners and others in the area, World Renew is looking into possibilities of providing emergency assistance to those who have been impacted through crop loss and damaged homes.
“Our current food assistance project in response to the West Africa drought is nearly completed,” said de Jong. “We have already provided five months of food rations to over 4,000 families. The sixth and final distribution is planned for this month. Now we will assess the new needs that have arisen as a result of these recent major floods and work with our partners to identify the most urgent and appropriate interventions.”
Prayer and financial support for these efforts are urgently needed. Donations marked “West Africa Drought 2012” will support the current drought response efforts. In Canada, these donations are eligible for a 1:1 match from the Canadian government if they are received by World Renew before September 30.
Support World Renew's West Africa Drought Response.
Checks marked “Niger Floods 2012” can also be sent to:
World Renew US
2850 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49560
ph: 1-800-55-CRWRC
World Renew Canada
3475 Mainway
P.O. Box 5070 STN LCD
Burlington, Ontario, L7R 3Y8