Burundi floods 'put 2m at risk'

Heavy rains have been affecting a number of Burundi provinces

Two million people in Burundi need urgent help to prevent a food crisis following devastating flooding, the UN's World Food Programme has warned.

The UN and other NGOs have made an appeal for $132m (£67m) for this year - $12m of it for food aid until July.

Heavy rains have been damaging crops in many Burundi provinces since November.

Between 50% and 80% of the November harvest has been destroyed and much of January's harvest of beans, rice, maize and potatoes has also been hit.

A heavy burst of rain three weeks ago left thousands homeless in southern and western suburbs of the capital, Bujumbura.

'Looming crisis'

Late rains and the subsequent flooding, along with cassava disease, have cut food stocks, WFP says.

Gerard Van Dijk, WFP country director, said: "All these elements are signs of a looming food crisis.

"If we do not bring urgent help to the most vulnerable, the consequences could be devastating."

The government has declared seven of the 17 provinces flood disaster areas, with the north and central regions worst hit.

There are reports of cholera and other diseases, with hospital resources coming under increasing pressure.

President Pierre Nkurunziza has declared a four-month national solidarity fund, with MPs and civil servants making contributions.

Since the end of war, the country has been hit by both floods and droughts creating growing dependence on food aid in rural areas.