From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has committed $1 million in emergency humanitarian assistance in response to flood crisis in Nigeria.
US Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, lamented that floods have exacerbated an already critical humanitarian situation in Nigeria, where ongoing conflict, especially in the northern region, had driven millions of people from their homes.
It explained that the $1 million in new USAID support would allow local partners on ground provide emergency shelter assistance, relief commodities, and hygiene kits to promote safe and healthy practices amid the ongoing cholera outbreak, and multipurpose cash assistance for people impacted by the devastating floods.
“The unusually heavy rainfall and resulting flooding has affected nearly 2.8 million people across the country. In addition, many homes have been damaged or completely destroyed, displacing millions of people. The floods have exacerbated an already critical humanitarian situation in Nigeria, where ongoing conflict, especially in the northern region, has driven millions of people from their homes.
“In the same region, more than four million people are projected to continue experiencing acute food insecurity amid the worsening global food crisis. We are also concerned that standing floodwaters could increase the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states, where cholera outbreaks were declared in August and September and at least 7,750 cases were recorded. In 2022, 31 out of 36 states reported cholera cases,” the US mission said.
US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, in response to the development, said: “We are filled with grief for the flood victims who have lost so much – livelihoods, homes, and even loved ones. The United States continues to stand with the people of Nigeria during this extremely difficult time. As experts expect heavy rainfall and flooding to continue through November, due in part to climate change and insufficient drainage infrastructure, USAID disaster experts will continue monitoring the situation in close coordination with humanitarian partners and the Government of Nigeria to assess needs and determine if additional assistance is required.
“The United States maintains a long history of providing humanitarian assistance across the country. In 2022, USAID provided more than $356 million in humanitarian assistance to people most affected by conflict and food insecurity in Nigeria. This life-saving assistance is in addition to USAID’s annual $539 million development budget for Nigeria that supports economic growth, health, democratic governance, and education.”