The European Union (EU) has said that it supported Nigeria, and five other Sahel countries affected by flood with €5.4 million.
In a statement issued by the bloc and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, September 23, 2024, the other countries that benefitted were listed to include Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Mali and Burkina Faso.
The bloc noted that the fund was meant to assist the more than 4.4 million people estimated to be affected by flood in the 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 million, Niger €1.350 million, Nigeria €1.1 million, Mali €1 million, Cameroon €650,000 and Burkina Faso €300,000.
“The funding comes in addition to €232 million in humanitarian assistance already allocated to these countries so far this year.
“The EU and its partners had already responded to the immediate consequences of floods in Liberia, Guinea, Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Mali,’’ the bloc said.
In the statement, Mr Janez Lenarčič, the Commissioner for Crisis Management, was quoted to have said: “Excessive rainfalls had 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.”
By Maureen Okon
