Flooding in Niamey, Niger (photos)

Devastating floods in Niger are affecting more than 500,000 people, most of whose basic needs are not being met.

Floodwaters in Niamey and surrounding regions have unrelentingly risen since rains began in July, destroying thousands of houses and over 7,000 hectares of crops.

Responding to the floods, we're working with partners to distribute household kits including soap, mats and mosquito nets, and water and sanitation provisions to almost 40,000 people. Distributions are ongoing in Niamey, Tillabéry, Zinder and Maradi, and will be followed by assistance to rebuild their houses and earn a living.

Earlier this year, drought across the broader Sahel region brought about a hunger crisis that continues to affect over 5.5 million people in Niger, and cholera has killed up to 96 people so far. Now, exceptionally high food prices, combined with the loss of crops to the floods, are making it very difficult for Niger to feed its own people.

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Photos: Valérie Batselaere/Oxfam

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Oxfam's response to the food crisis in Sahel

Oxfam's work in Niger