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West and Central Africa: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (29 August - 4 September 2017)

Countries
Nigeria
+ 3 more
Sources
OCHA
Publication date

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
FIGHTING DISPLACES 600 FAMILIES TO BRIA

Around 600 households have found refuge in Bria city, in the eastern part of the country, following clashes between armed groups in the prefecture of Haute Kotto on 20-25 August. The IDPs are reportedly sheltered in a church and in host families, their registration is ongoing.

SHARP INCREASE IN NUMBER OF IDPs IN THE KONGBO REGION

The number of people who sought refuge around the MINUSCA base in Kongbo, in the southeastern Basse Kotto prefecture, has increased from 1,500 to about 6,800 due to persisting fighting between armed groups and the arrival of hundreds which were hiding in the bush. The humanitarian community is mobilizing emergency assistance. A food distribution will take place in the next days and a WASH needs assessment in the sector is being considered

NIGERIA
250,000 PEOPLE AFFECTED BY FLOODS IN BENUE STATE

On 4 September, heavy rains have led to flash floods, discharges and river overflowing in Benue State, centre-east Nigeria. Almost 250,000 people are reportedly affected in 21 Local Government Areas. Hundreds of houses have been destroyed and crop fields damaged. The State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are setting up two camps in Makurdi, for people who have lost their homes. The Nigerian Red Cross is providing immediate response in terms of food and non-food items. NEMA has requested technical assistance from the international community.
UNICEF has carried out a quick assessment and is increasing access to drinking water in the two camps. These floods are considered the most severe since 2012.

NIGERIA
BANKI IDP CAMP ATTACKED BY ARMED MEN

On 1 September, an armed group presumably linked to Boko Haram has attacked an IDP camp in Banki, Borno State. Eleven people have reportedly been killed and three others injured. This latest attack is the fifth deliberately targeting displacement sites in two months. Humanitarian actors are concerned about the increase in attacks and are calling for the respect of civilian facilities and increased security in and around in displacement camps. With 34 suicide attacks reported since January, resulting in over 170 deaths, Borno state has now witnessed the highest number of attacks over this period since 2013.

DR CONGO
HAUT LOMAMI: SPREADING CHOLERA EPIDEMIC

Over the last week, the province of Haut Lomami, in the South, reported 87 cholera cases including 8 deaths. One third of the cases were recorded in the area of Mulongo, in the eastern part of the province. Nine of the 16 health zones in the province have now reported cases. The trend of weekly cases suggests a risk of rapid spread to previously unaffected areas, and the upcoming rainy season could exacerbate the situation. UNICEF and WHO have provided kits and equipment to support 575 cases.

MAURITANIA
HEAVY RAINS AND STORMS AFFECT THOUSANDS

Heavy rains and storms on 4 September have affected the Brakana and Assaba regions, in the south of the country. Initial reports indicated 18 deaths and thousands of affected persons. Further assessments are underway as the UN country team has started planning the response with the Government

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.