Torrential rains have washed away the mud-walled homes and livelihoods of 54,000 people in Niger. In the midst of a severe food crisis- which is affecting more than seven million people-(two-thirds of the country's population), conditions risk further deterioration as heavy rains continue to pound most parts of the country, threatening crops and aid efforts.

The heavy flooding of the River Niger struck Niamey last weekend causing the displacement of tens of thousands of people. MH Niger has immediately begun the distribution of food and clean drinking water for internally displaced people and is providing mosquito nets and malaria prevention schemes.

Staff and volunteers are working- despite poor harvests and severe drought-to reach as many of the hungry and now displaced flood victims of Niger. Aid efforts are taking place from the worst-hit areas of Libore and are reaching further parts of the country.

Heavy rain caused devastating new mudslides early Thursday in an area of north-western China where floods and landslides on Sunday left more than 1,700 dead or missing, with 25,000 people homeless and displaced.

Houses have literally been swept away by torrential rain and mudslides have blocked main roads which were used to transport aid into the area from the province's capital Lanzhou. Worryingly, further rain has been forecast and survivors are desperately trying to find places of shelter and security amidst the rising panic. With the death toll rising and with hundreds of people still reported missing, time is precious in this hours after the emergency.

From our permanent field office in Gan Su, MH China has dispatched aid teams to Zhougu County and has launched an immediate appeal for funds.