Friday 14 September 2012
Flood survivors "sleep easily now" in Niger
ShelterBox worked with WAHA International to set up this camp in Kollo District for families made homless by recent flooding, Niger, September 2012."We are very happy as the tent is comfortable and we can sleep easily now," said Jama Salle to ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) members Laura Jepson (UK) and John Cordell (US) in Niger.
Jama, her husband and four children were forced to move from their home in Gallay Keina, a village in Kollo District about 64 kilometers from the capital, Niamey. They were one of many families ordered to move by the Prefecture of Kollo District, as he knew the village was at risk when heavy rains started. During the flooding, there were no injuries and families were able to take many of their belongings with them. Jama's family along with other families now live in ShelterBox disaster relief tents at a camp just up the hill from their village.
Women and Health Alliance (WAHA) International set up the camp using 82 ShelterBox tents, bringing shelter and dignity to nearly 450 flood survivors.
Jama Salle with her four children outside their ShelterBox tent, Niger, September 2012.
"When John and I came to visit, it was amazing to see an established camp with a strong community spirit," said Laura.
The First Lady of Niger, Mrs. Aissata Issoufou, visited the camp with her Guri Vie Meilleure foundation as a part of its commitment toward improving the living conditions of Niger's people.
'Good fortune'
"We live in extremely difficult times where our brothers and sisters have lost their homes," said Mrs. Issoufou. "All of our hearts are truly with the people. The Guri Vie Meilleure foundation is trying to see what it can do to limit the difficulties spread across the country."
"We have had the good fortune of working with WAHA International and ShelterBox. They have helped us find our brothers and sisters who survived the floods."
Response team training families how to set up and maintain ShelterBox tents, Niger, September 2012.
Beginning in mid-July, floods throughout the country have affected hundreds of thousands of people and resulted in over 50 deaths, according to the United Nations.
ShelterBox has been working with the government of Niger and other humanitarian organizations to find the right solution for those displaced in and around Niamey.
