Benin declares emergency in tackling flood

Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - The Beninese government has declared a state of emergency in dealing with floods caused by torrential rains over the country, especially in the southern part of the country, according to a statement release d Tuesday by the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security. According to the statement, which was made available to PANA, "Benin officially declares a state of emergency and asks for help from the international community in a bid to forestall epidemics, allay suffering of the victims and immediately r estore normality." The torrential rains across the country in the past weeks have caused major dama ges, especially in the south. Economic activities, including farming transportation, communication as well as power and water supply are also badly affected. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes, and are mostly being a ccommodated by their relatives. The statement said people are also being moved from the worst affected areas to forestall the outbreak and spread of diseases such as malaria and cholera.

Cotonou - 07/07/2009