Severe floods have been reported in several countries in West Africa causing destruction and chaos in many areas, particularly in Mauritania, Togo, Mali, Burkina-Faso, Nigeria, Niger, Liberia, Gambia, Ivory Coast and Senegal. The adverse weather conditions brought on by the rainy season since July considerably worsened in August, now affecting more than 100,000 people.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies immediately released a total of 553,750 Swiss francs (US$ 458,660, € 336,160) from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to help national Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies cover immediate needs.

"Torrential rains have destroyed homes, leaving thousands homeless. They damaged roads and devastated crops in areas where food security has been a problem before so we need to carefully monitor the situation," says Niels Scott, the International Federation's Operations Coordinator for Africa.

In Togo, heavy rains hit the northern Savanes region over the last few days. At least 17 people are reported dead. Togo Red Cross has mobilized volunteers and is currently conducting an assessment of damages which is made difficult because bridges linking parts of the affected area have been washed away.

In Nigeria, floods have been reported in many states, including Ogun, Nasarrawa, Lagos, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, Borno and Plateau, affecting more than 3,700 families. Torrential rains destroyed homes, leaving thousands homeless or displaced. At least 68 people are reported dead.

Nigeria Red Cross provided more than 3,000 people with food, blankets, mosquito nets and health advice.

In Mauritania, 30,000 people have been affected by the heavy rains that lashed the city of Tintane causing flooding in many areas. At least two people lost their lives. Mauritanian Red Crescent volunteers distributed food supplies, sleeping mats, hygiene kits and mosquito nets. They disinfected wells and offered health and hygiene advice to victims.

In Mali, at least 32,000 people have been hit by the floods that swept through the areas of Mopti (Bandiagara), Kayes, Sikasso, Koulikoro, Gao and Segou. Mali Red Cross provided blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets as well as basic necessities for a month to 500 people in Bandiagara.

In Liberia, some 20,000 people have been affected by floods that destroyed several homes, especially in the Monrovia area. Coastal areas have also been hit. Liberia Red Cross is providing emergency assistance.

In Burkina-Faso, various parts of the country were battered by heavy rains, which led to flooding in the areas of Kouritenga, Oubritenga, Kadiogo, Houet, Zandoma, Yatenga, Passore, Loroum, Bam, Namentenga, Sanmatenga, Zoundwego, Nahouri and Sahel. At least 20,000 people have been hit. Burkina Faso Red Cross distributed tents, 5 tonnes of food supplies and 55 kg of clothes. Some 4,700 people will also receive assistance in the provinces of Houet and Nahouri.

In Niger, some 14,000 people have been affected around the capital, Niamey as well as in Agadez, Maradi, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder and Diffa. Niger Red Cross distributed 16 tonnes of cereals. Volunteers were immediately mobilized and took part in emergency operations.

In Gambia, 300 people were hit by flooding in the town of Sinchu Bala. Gambia Red Cross volunteers immediately went into action, providing emergency assistance. Other relief activities include providing foods supplies, building 32 latrines and health awareness campaigns.

In Senegal, floods have also been reported around Thies, Matam, Kaolack, Tamba and Dakar. Senegal Red Cross is currently assessing the needs and has mobilized volunteers.

In Côte d'Ivoire, heavy rains brought flooding around the town of Agboville. The Red Cross of Côte d'Ivoire distributed relief items to 400 affected families.

The International Federation is also monitoring the situation in neighbouring countries and will take more action if needed.

For further information, or to set up interviews (ISDN line available in Geneva), please contact: International Federation media duty phone Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81