By Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro
The European Union has announced a €5.4 million humanitarian aid package to assist populations severely impacted by recent flooding in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.
The funds will target Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, and Burkina Faso, where over 4.4 million people have been affected by the devastating floods.
“The European Union has released €5.4 million in humanitarian aid to help the most affected populations in the aftermath of the devastating floods in Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, and Burkina Faso,” read a statement from the EU in Nigeria on Monday.
The flooding has caused significant destruction, including the loss of homes, public health facilities, water systems, schools, and agricultural land.
The ongoing crisis has raised urgent concerns about waterborne diseases due to compromised access to sanitation and clean water.
The aid distribution will see Chad receive €1 million, Niger €1.35 million, Nigeria €1.1 million, Mali €1 million, Cameroon €650,000, and Burkina Faso €300,000.
The funding is in addition to the €232 million in humanitarian assistance already allocated to these countries this year.
The statement added, “The amount will be distributed as follows: Chad €1,000,000; Niger €1,350,000; Nigeria €1,100,000; Mali €1,000,000; Cameroon €650,000; 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 Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, emphasised the unprecedented nature of the floods, noting that many areas have experienced more severe impacts than in previous years.
“Excessive rainfall has 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,” the commissioner stated.
According to the EU, recent rainfall levels in Mali have been the highest recorded since 1967. In Niger, more than 1 million people have been affected, while Chad faces an even graver situation with 1.5 million impacted and further rainfall anticipated.
In Nigeria, northern regions already suffering from food insecurity due to conflict and inflation have been hit particularly hard.
Concerns are mounting over the potential spread of cholera, especially in areas already prone to outbreaks.
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