US donates $1 million support for flood victims in Nigeria

U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard made this known, and regretted that the unusual heavy rainfall and resulting flooding has affected about 2.8 million people across the country, with many homes being damaged or destroyed, displacing millions of people. 

 

She 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.”

 

Over 500 deaths have so far been recorded from the flood that has affected about half of the country’s 36 states according to the Nigerian government.

 

The support fund through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), according to Leonard, 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.

 

She added that the financial aid will also provide multi-purpose cash assistance for people affected by the devastating floods.

 

The U.S Ambassador noted that 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,” Leonard stated.

 

She added that the U.S Mission in Nigeria is also concerned that standing floodwaters could increase the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states, where outbreaks of the disease were declared in August and September this year and at least 7,750 cases were recorded.

 

According to the Ambassador, as experts expect heavy rainfall and flooding to continue through November, due in part to climate change and insufficient drainage infrastructure, the USAID disaster experts will continue monitoring the situation in close coordination with humanitarian partners and the Nigerian government to assess needs and determine if additional assistance is required.

 

She noted that the United States has 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,” Leonard stated.