Concern preparing to expand operations in Niger

Irish aid agency Concern is preparing to expand its operations in the west African nation of Niger, where millions of people are facing severe food shortages.

The agency has so far been focusing on distributing emergency aid in the Tahua area, where the situation has begun to stabilise.

Concern is now planning to deploy some its staff in the Illaya area, where thousands of people are still at risk of starvation.

The staff are due to carry out an assessment of the area today before beginning the distribution of food supplies.