Torrential rain and floods in West Africa have increased, affecting around 600,000 people.

160 have been killed in the floods which have severely inundated Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger Sierra Leone.

Widespread displacement has occurred with people now living with host families, in schools, shelters, churches and other public buildings.

Some shelters have become so overcrowded that men are being forced out so women and children can receive accommodation.

The unusually heavy rains began falling on September 1st, when Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, received about one-quarter of the country's annual rainfall in just one day.

The West African countries now are struggling to find accommodation, food, water and other essential items for those who have become homeless.

The World Food Program has stepped in to provide a one-month ration to as many people as possible.