Damages caused by heavier than usual rainfall in Western Mali. The local Red cross has given medical and other non-food aid to some 5,000 displaced persons (p6920).
Unusually heavy rains have led to serious flooding in Southwestern Mali, according to the local Red Cross. Since June, floods have hit the regions of Sikasso, Kidal, Mopti, Koulikoro and parts of the capital Bamako.
Up to 5,000 people have been affected, and in some villages the local Red Cross reports that 90 per cent of mud-built houses have been destroyed.
Acting alongside local authorities, Mali Red Cross has donated mosquito nets, anti-malarial medicines, clothes, blankets and detergent to 500 of the worst-affected families.
"It's a small gesture of solidarity," said Sibiry Diarra of the Mali Red Cross, speaking from Abidjan were a meeting of all 16 West African Red Cross/Red Crescent presidents was taking place. "These people have lost their homes and their crops; when I visited the affected areas last week 300 hectares of rice-fields were still completely under water."
As the floodwaters begin to recede, local populations are faced with serious public health risks. "We have already started an information programme to tell people not to drink contaminated water and to careful about how they prepare their food", added Mr Diarra.