HEAVY RAINS LEAVE SEVERAL THOUSAND HOMELESS IN BANGUI

The Central African Republic's (CAR) Red Cross reported on 7 July 2009 that heave rains have made approximately 11,000 people homeless in Bangui since mid-June 2009. The Red Cross stated that, while some organizations -- including Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) -- have come forward to help, needs in the country are still high. At least four of Bangui's eight districts have been significantly affected by the flooding. Authorities blame the city's rapid urbanization for the crisis, as most homes are shanty homes without adequate drainage systems