Summary:
Since the launch of the Emergency Appeal, the influx from Nigeria has continued, and as of 24 September, the total number of displaced population was 105,000, most of them being women and children. Since the beginning of September, more than 16,549 people have reached Diffa region, compared to 10,543 in August. The new arrivals are in urgent need of emergency assistance in terms of food and basic non-food items, emergency shelter, medical assistance, potable water and protection. Due to economic opportunities through fishing, most of the new arrivals are settling around lake Chad rather than in already exhausted host communities. At the same time, displaced population who arrived earlier this year are becoming host families for new arrivals, resulting in additional burdens for families with very limited resources.
According to the outcome of a joint assessment mission conducted in the beginning of September, the poor rainfall in Diffa will affect the 2014-2015 agricultural and pastoral campaign and is expected to cause serious food deficit in most communities. Rains have stopped raining at the beginning of September and this is a dangerous indicator for poor harvest of millet, sorghum and local beans.
Between 22 and 24 September, the Prime minister’s office deployed a crisis management team in Diffa region to meet the humanitarian actors and regional authorities and assess the situation. One of the main suggestions from the management team is to establish camps to allow humanitarian assistance to the affected and improve coordination by harmonising the response.
Following the launch of the IFRC emergency appeal in support of the Niger Red Cross (NRC), CHF 130,000 was allocated from the IFRC DREF to allow emergency assistance in health, water and sanitation and NS capacity building. This allocation has allowed initiation of logistical arrangements including procurement of two boats and 20 life vests, as well as engagement of an operations manager and a water and sanitation field officer to support the operation. The NRC has deployed the communication officer and the health coordinator to the field for a week to support the regional committee in planning activities. 30 volunteers from 10 lake islands have been identified to be trained in emergency health, Watsan and communication. Health and Watsan needs have been identified in collaboration with the responsible of Baroua health centre. Other 30 volunteers from Bosso (villages and islands) will also be identified and trained. Weekly mobile clinics are being organised in the islands to assist those who cannot access to health centres. The first 10 targeted islands are Kadeiram, Tchoukou Gabi, Karrounn, Arina, Kadia, Gadarmou, Klakmana, Kourna, Chilla, and Douwa. WHO will support with medical assistance and an agreement is being developed. A three months plan of action has been elaborated. Since September 18th, the IFRC Operations Manager has been deployed to Diffa to coordinate the operational implementation and engage further in coordination mechanisms.
Though the total number of displaced people is radically increasing, the planned target of this emergency appeal currently remains unchanged, but the humanitarian situation is becoming increasingly critical and support to the IFRC Emergency Appeal is urgently needed to provide emergency assistance
