The United States has announced a $1 million humanitarian assistance support to Nigeria over devastating flooding in most parts of the country.
The donation through U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, is to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to support people affected by unprecedented flooding in some parts of Nigeria.
Unusually heavy rainfall and release of water from the Lagho Dam in Cameroon has resulted in flooding, affecting nearly 2.8 million people.
In addition, many homes have been damaged or completely destroyed, displacing millions of people.
The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, 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.”
A statement by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria said Washington was 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.
It is expected that the $1 million 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.
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.
