On 1st September, more than 10 inches of rainfall dropped in a 12-hour period, flooding 50% of the capital and leaving tens of thousands of people homeless. The displaced have sought refuge at 88 temporary sites across the capital, each housing between 200 and 1500 individuals. The authorities are concerned about the inappropriate water and sanitation facilities at the temporary shelter sites and  worsening hygiene conditions, as the country’s current systems are not equipped to deal with an emergency of this proportion.

Working closely with the authorities and other humanitarian actors on the ground, Action Against Hunger is launching an emergency response to assist 6,000 people affected by the flooding by improving hygiene conditions in 12 temporary shelters with funding from the City of Paris and the French Foreign Ministry. Action Against Hunger plans to put in place sanitation systems to provide basic hygiene standards. 150 latrines as well as washing areas and showers will be constructed and hygiene kits will be distributed to the displaced. Action Against Hunger will also monitor the water and sanitation situation to ensure that a minimum of 15 litres of safe water per person per day is available in line with international minimum standards in disaster response.

The torrential rainfall in Burkina Faso was the worst since 1914. The situation is also precarious in neighbouring countries where torrential rainfall and flooding have affected 600,000 people.