The United States of America has promised $1 million as a way of extending their assistance in order to support the people in Nigeria who have been affected by the recent flood crisis in the country.
Through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the support will. cover emergency shelter, relief materials, and other health safety materials to promote a safe hygiene due to the outbreak of cholera and the flood crisis.
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard in a terse statement noted that: “We are filled with grief for the flood victims who have lost so much – livelihoods, homes, and even loved ones this extremely difficult time
“The unusually heavy rainfall and resulting flooding have affected nearly 2.8 million people across the country. In addition, many homes have been damaged or 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 4 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 $1 million in new USAID support will allow local partners on the ground to 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.”
