Article Date: 27 Oct 2010
Heavy and persistent rainfall has deeply affected the daily lives of more than 680,000 people in Benin, approximately 122,000 of whom are children under-five. The number of displaced is 180,000.
UNICEF, in collaboration with its partners, is working with urgency on the ground to respond to the crisis. "The scourge is so heavy that it is urgent to work hand in hand and respond to basic needs such as potable water, food, shelters and essential commodities", said Dr. Diallo, UNICEF Representative in Benin.
UN agencies including UNICEF, the Red Cross, as well as NGOs namely CRS, Plan Benin, Caritas and Care have joined with Government representatives and formed the National Crisis Management Team.
"The floods have destroyed my entire life" says Afoussa aged 36, a mother of 6 children who lives in Avotrou, a suburb of Cotonou. "I have lost all my crops and have nothing to eat. Wells have been flooded and are contaminated. I have a baby to breastfeed. We have not had potable water for many days" she added.
UNICEF, with the support of the fire brigade, is ensuring the distribution of potable water in most affected areas nationwide. To date, 198,000 litres have been distributed to cover the needs of 20,000 people. In addition, purification tablets, water containers, water tanks, buckets have been distributed, to prevent waterborne diseases. Ground teams are also involved in chlorinating contaminated wells and promoting hand washing. Emergency nutrition supplies, pumply nuts and therapeutic milk already been distributed in three Northern areas affected by the flood…
Copyright, Blaise APLOGAN, 2010,© Bienvenu sur Babilown
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