In Benin

In 2010, the populations of several districts located in the south and centre of Benin have been experiencing unusually heavy rain for the rainy season. In one month over 8000mm of water have fallen in the country - two times the average rainfall. The water level of the rivers Ouémé and Niger have risen rapidly, bursting their banks and causing floods in most areas of the country. The immediate consequence of this disaster is imminent famine, a rise in outbreaks of cholera and malaria and the risk of electrocution for those who continue to live in the water.

The response of the four Emmaus organisations in Benin: Faced with the scale of the disaster, Emmaus Benin has identified several priorities and is taking action to come to the aid of those in direst need on the 13 sites an initial contribution of 10,000 EUR (from the Emmaus International Executive Committee’s Emergency Fund) which was sent, in addition to the funds raised locally by the four Emmaus organisations.

The second stage will be to distribute medicines, mosquito nets and oil. It is important to point out that the Emmaus organisations have had to fight to get permission to distribute medicines and to negotiate a lower price for the mosquito nets.