377 dead in African flooding; more than half of Benin under water

By the CNN Wires Staff

October 19, 2010 -- Updated 1910 GMT (0310 HKT)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• At least 377 people have died due to recent flooding in west, central Africa
• Benin has been especially hard hit, with much of it underwater and 43 dead
• The United Nations has stepped up its relief efforts in the region

(CNN) -- Torrential rains in recent weeks have led to widespread flooding in central and West Africa, leading to at least 377 deaths and affecting a total of 1.5 million people, according to the United Nations.
Benin has been especially hard hit, as 51 of its 77 municipalities have been deluged by flood waters, UNICEF reported Tuesday. A day earlier, the international agency said at least 43 people had died. In addition, the floods left around 100,000 people homeless, and 800 in the coastal city of Cotonou had contracted cholera because of the flooding.
Water levels began to rise after heavy rainfall starting in September. In recent days, the United Nations has stepped up its crisis management efforts, with UNICEF alone sending 262,000 water purification tablets, 15 water tanks, 100 rolls of tents, 250 latrines backs and 1000 10-liter water containers to the cities of Cotonou and Seme Podji alone.

Chad, northern Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria have also been adversely affected by the rains and floods, a United Nations news release said.