Although the Southern part of Benin is particularly vulnerable to flooding, the situation has been relatively calm since 1963. The heavy rains of 2010 caused an overflow of major rivers, causing extreme floods throughout the country. According to the National Crisis Committee in October 2010, 52 out of 77 Communities in Benin were affected by the rising waters (1.680.000 people from 136.000 households). The damage was considerable: loss of homes, water, food, livestock etc. Schools and medical centres were closed and there was a lot of internally displaced people and refugees. The government launched an appeal of solidarity in the beginning of October 2010 and international community responded. CARE update its plan for preparedness and response before the floods of 2010. In addition the country office has developed a strategy for response in October 2010.
