Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Floods, 10-02-2009
On September 1, flooding resulting from unusually heavy rain killed at least 5 people and affected approximately 150,000 others in the capital, Ouagadougou, according to the Government of Burkina Faso (GoBF). Following the floods, approximately 53,000 displaced people sought refuge in 88 temporary sites, primarily schools, while an additional 40,000 people took shelter with host families. To ensure a timely start to the school year, the GoBF began relocating displaced people from the 88 temporary sites to 37 new sites on September 23. However, USAID/OFDA staff reported that some displaced people preferred not to relocate to the new sites due to the distance between the new sites and displaced people’s former homes or places of employment. In addition, relief agencies expressed concern regarding sufficient access to adequate shelter or basic water, sanitation, or hygiene services at the new sites. USAID/OFDA staff continue to monitor the situation and assess humanitarian conditions in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou, USAID/West Africa, and humanitarian partners.
On October 2, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Samuel C. Laeuchli re-issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of the floods. In FY 2009, USAID/OFDA provided more than $1.5 million in emergency assistance in response to the floods—benefiting approximately 125,000 flood-affected individuals—including support for interventions in agriculture and food security, economic recovery and market systems, and water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as the provision of emergency relief supplies.
Additional Disaster Declarations:
Floods, 09-02-2009
On September 1, flooding resulting from unusually heavy rain killed at least 5 people and affected approximately 150,000 others in the capital of Ouagadougou, according to the Government of Burkina Faso (GoBF). On September 1, Ouagadougou received approximately 10.5 inches of rain in 12 hours, the most rainfall recorded in the city during one day since 1919. Displaced people sought refuge in schools, churches, mosques, and with host families, while the central hospital was partially closed due to floodwaters. Flooding also disrupted the electrical power supply and the city water system. The GoBF National Committee for Emergency and Rehabilitation Assistance (CONASUR) conducted assessments and identified water storage tanks for displaced populations as an immediate humanitarian need. According to the U.N. Development Program, affected populations also require emergency shelter, food, and health interventions. On September 2, the GoBF appealed for international assistance.
On September 2, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Samuel C. Laeuchli declared a disaster due to the effects of the floods. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 to the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou for the purchase of water storage units, which Catholic Relief Services distributed at temporary shelters for affected populations. USAID/OFDA staff members will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou, USAID/West Africa, and humanitarian partners.
Measles Outbreak, 05-11-2009
Beginning in late December 2008, a measles outbreak caused 250 deaths, with more than 35,400 reported cases as of May 11, according to the U.N. World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Burkina Faso (GoBF) Ministry of Health (MoH). As of May 11, the outbreak surpassed the approximately 32,400 cases reported in 1996 in the most recent comparable outbreak. Nearly half of reported cases occurred in children between one and four years old or in youth between 15 and 24 years of age. The GoBF MoH reported that more than 85 percent of the reported cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals. In coordination with WHO and the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the MoH planned to conduct a mass vaccination campaign for all individuals from the ages of 6 months to 24 years in the 19 most affected districts, with selective vaccination of children between 6 months and 5 years old in 18 additional districts. However, the GoBF lacked the financial resources necessary to purchase sufficient vaccines and supplies and appealed for international assistance.
On May 11, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Samuel C. Laeuchli declared a disaster due to the effects of the measles outbreak. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $250,000 to UNICEF for the procurement of measles vaccines and vaccination supplies.
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In Burkina Faso, a health worker administers a meningitis vaccine to a young boy. (Photo courtesy of UNICEF)
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For information on additional USAID disaster responses in Burkina Faso, please see OFDA Annual Reports.
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