Floods in Niger – DREF Operational Update (MDRNE028) – Niger

What happened, where and when?

The anticipatory actions planned in the imminent DREF were not implemented as the trigger of 100mm rainfall was not reached.

However, for over four consecutive weeks between 60-80mm rainfall was registered by ACMAD (African Centre of Metereological Application for Development) in the regions of Maradi, Dosso and Zinder. According to OCHA, in the week of 10th of September around 50,000 people were affected. This situation evolved in October where according to the General Directorate of Civil Protection as of October 09, 2023, 20,126 households have been registered at the national level (about 169,598 people affected of wish 62% were in Maradi). Out of the number of people affected, 52 deaths were recorded.

During the coordination meeting of humanitarian organizations led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Action on October 24, 2023, an update on the impacts of the floods was made. It was reported that an additional 6,000 people had been affected from 09 to 24 October 2023 (OCHA, October 2023). The Ministry therefore requested the support of all key partners, including the CRN, in order to assist these populations affected by the floods.

In the same period diphtheria cases have been registered with currently over 2,000 active cases. Diphtheria cases have been spreading faster due to the population movement and increased density resulting from the flooding.

The Niger Red Cross (CRN) regularly participates in the meeting of the health cluster, where on October 11, 2023, the Ministry alerted partners on the registration of diphtheria cases in the regions of Zinder and Maradi, DREF intervention areas, where 1,440 cases had been recorded including 69 deaths (source: Ministry of Health). A national response plan was immediately developed, and the ministry held an emergency meeting on October 23, 2023, to ask the support of all its partners. Following the meeting, the NS received a formal letter requesting support.