14 dead in Burkina Faso floods

2007-08-27 20:01

Ouagadougou - The toll from weeks of flooding in the West African nation of Burkina Faso has risen to at least 14 dead and 23 000 displaced, officials said on Monday, calling on aid agencies for help.

Heavy rains have swelled rivers and inundated valleys throughout the country since Burkina Faso's wet season began in June, devastating homes and crops.

The annual rains regularly tax the infrastructure and resources of the impoverished country with devastating results.

Amade Belem, a top official of the country's national emergency management agency, said the current tolls of dead and displaced would likely rise further. He called for international humanitarian groups to send tents, food and medicine.

"We really need help," Belem said. "The state is doing what little it can, but we can't meet all the needs - health, food, education, shelter."

He said about 70% of the 23 000 people displaced are believed to be children.

Five of the 14 deaths occurred in Nahouri province's Tiebele district, when several houses were swept away by floodwaters with their inhabitants still inside.

One two-year-old's hand was eaten by a crocodile, which was later killed by authorities.

- AP