By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
The European Union has released €5.4 million in humanitarian aid to help the most affected populations in the aftermath of the devastating floods in Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali and Burkina Faso.
More than 4.4 million people are estimated to be affected in the six countries. Floods have led to the destruction of houses, public health facilities, water systems, schools and sanitation facilities as well as roads, infrastructures, and agricultural areas. Moreover, the lack of access to water, hygiene, and sanitation services is increasing the risk of spreading of waterborne diseases.
“This funding will help our humanitarian partners on the ground to provide immediate aid and respond to the most urgent needs concerning food, shelter, access to clean water and sanitation and other essential services in the hardest-hit areas.
The amount will be distributed as follows: Chad €1,000,000; Niger €1,350,000; Nigeria €1,100,000; Mali € 1,000,000; Cameroon €650,000 Burkina Faso €300,000
The funding comes in addition to €232 million in humanitarian assistance already allocated to these countries so far this year.”
In addition, the EU and its partners had already responded to the immediate consequences of floods in Liberia, Guinea, Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Mali, through timely adjustments to ongoing actions and/or contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Meanwhile. Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, said: “Excessive rainfalls have lashed the Sahel and Lake Chad regions with unprecedented impact, displacing millions and causing widespread suffering and damage. We are mobilising all means at our disposal to help the most vulnerable in the flood-stricken countries, so they can receive much needed relief.”
Many areas have been impacted way harder than during previous flooding events. The exceptional precipitations recorded in Mali are the highest since 1967. In Niger, over 1 million people have been affected. The number raises to 1,5 million people in Chad, where more rainfall is expected. In Nigeria, the Northern regions, already impacted by a severe food and nutrition crisis driven by conflict, insecurity and high inflation, are among the hardest hit and the failure of a dam in the Maiduguri area has severely worsened the situation.
Approximately, 641,600 people are now estimated to be displaced and more heavy rainfall is forecast. The floods, coupled with the lack of access to water, hygiene, and sanitation services throughout the region, could lead to increased risk of cholera, especially in the cholera endemic areas.
