afrol News, 4 September - United Nations humanitarian agencies are increasing their relief efforts in west Africa, where rising flood waters have forced hundreds of thousands from their homes, damaged property as well as stepped up risk of infectious diseases in seven countries.

A UN report from Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) office shows that UN agencies are working in Togo, Ghana, Niger, Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso and Senegal amid concerns that heavy rains may continue through this month.

The camps house around 4,000 people, including 1,200 children. More than 1,500 others, including 200 children under age of five, have been affected by heavy rainfalls in central region of Sokode.

Floods have caused major infrastructural damages across Togo, including 11 bridges, and a dramatic hike in prices of basic foodstuff.

Devastation in Togo also has a humanitarian impact on people of landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which rely on port of Lome for supply of many goods.

UN development programme is planning to build a temporary bridge linking northern and southern parts of Togo.

Meanwhile, World Health Organisation has been supplying clean water, mosquito nets, drugs, vaccinations and sanitation equipment, to some 200,000 displaced people across affected countries.

Campaign is reportedly aimed at reducing intensified threat of malaria, diarrhea diseases and respiratory infections, especially for children.

Other UN agencies, such as World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), are currently also assisting in relief efforts in the region.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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