You are probably aware of the current flood disaster affecting my country, the Republic of Benin as well as some other parts of West Africa. Two-thirds of the nation is underwater. About 60 people have now died and more than 90.000 have lost their homes.
My government has declared a state of emergency and called for international assistance. I want to ask if there is anything you can do, or any organization or network you are aware of, that can assist.
My sincere thanks for your constant love to the people of Africa and Benin.
Very best regards.
Cyrille S. Oguin
[email protected]
Ambassador of Benin to the US
Washington, D.C.
Summary: continuous rainfall in Benin and the overflow of the Niger River have caused heavy flooding in many parts of the country since July 2010. Precipitations during the last week of September exacerbated flooding that displaced over 150,000 people and caused more than 10 deaths. Household items as well as houses, farmlands and livestock worth thousands of dollars were submerged in 22 of the 77 districts in the country.
The situation has been compounded by poor hygiene and sanitation practices among the affected population, thus increasing the risk of water-borne diseases and cholera outbreaks.