Floods in western Africa claim 377 lives: UN

GENEVA - Flooding in western Africa has killed at least 377 people and affected over 1.5 million in recent weeks, UN aid agencies said Friday.

Elizabeth Byrs, with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said the situation was still developing and the death toll could rise.

Benin, Niger and Nigeria were among the worst affected countries by the heavy rains, which have destroyed homes, roads and agricultural lands. Benin has 680,000 people affected and Nigeria saw 118 deaths.

Children were also being prevented from going to school owing to the downpours and flooding.

The UN has been appealing for funds in order to bring food relief and shelter to those worst hit by the flooding, which has reached as far inland as Chad.