Norwich student caught in African floods
 Melissa Ilboudo, a student at the University of East Anglia, has been caught in the floods sweeping through West Africa.
Last week 263 mm of rain fell in less than 12 hours on Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. At least 150,000 people fled their homes as roads were washed away, bridges damaged, and water overflowed a dam into the city centre. At least five people died as buildings collapsed.
Although the torrents disabled the city's power station, Melissa was able to send out a message: "We are in a critical condition. Even the hospital was flooded. We have never seen this here before. So far people have been helping by giving food, clothes or money."
You can watch a video of the floods by clicking here
Melissa was in Burkina Faso on a summer placement, researching climate change. She was about to set out for Gourcy, a desert town in the north of the country, where Norfolk churches have been supporting a Christian project which provides seeds and equipment.
Eldred Willey, who attends Norwich Family Life Church with Melissa, comments: "We were so relieved to hear from her. I know she is going to be at the centre of efforts to help those flooded out. With so many transport links destroyed, she will need protection, and wisdom in deciding her next moves."
On 4 October, Eldred will be running in the Felixstowe half-marathon to raise money for the project in Gourcy. You can sponsor him on:
www.justgiving.com/Eldred-Willey
Melissa finishes her message by saying: "Me and my family are OK. Please pray for Burkina Faso."
Any new updates on Melissa are available from Eldred Willey on 01603 620051 at the Kings Centre, Norwich NR1 1PH.
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