Starting this weekend, people suffering the consequences of torrential rain will be receiving such emergency items as plastic sheeting, sleeping mats, clothing, jerrycans, blankets, soap and cooking utensils. They will also receive food. The operation is being conducted in close cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

“While the ICRC mainly helps the victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence, we are more than happy to work with our partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to provide emergency aid to the victims of natural disaster whenever we can,” commented Boris Michel, the ICRC’s head of operations for West Africa. “The fact that the ICRC already has an office in Ouagadougou facilitated the task, as did the stocks of emergency supplies that we hold jointly with the Burkinabé Red Cross Society.”

The rains have caused serious damage and left a number of people injured, especially on the outskirts of Ouagadougou, where houses made out of mud have collapsed. Many homeless families have taken refuge in schools and other temporary housing.

Through its Ouagadougou office, the ICRC is supporting the work of the Burkinabé Red Cross Society among those most in need.