NEWSDESK
In early September, Burkina Faso and its capital Ouagadougou were hit by the heaviest rains in 80 years, triggering unprecedented floods.
150,000 people were affected by the floods. A survivor testifies: 'It's as if the neighbourhood has been hit by bombs'.
Today, more than 40,000 people are still displaced in schools. It is almost certain that not everyone will have found new accommodation before school starts on 1 October.
The European Commission promptly despatched a humanitarian expert to monitor the situation, evaluate damage and work alongside partner agencies.
On 9 September the Commission earmarked 3 million euro in humanitarian aid to help flood-affected communities in Burkina Faso and the other West African countries.
The funds are for food, medicines and basic essentials (such as kitchen sets and mosquito nets) as well as to provide emergency shelters and rehabilitate farm land around the city, where many wells were contaminated by flood water.
Photo Story by: EC/ECHO/Stephane Meert & Samy Cecchin (photos), Claire Barrault (text), 2009
