* Gives $1m To Flood Ravaged States
The United States has warned of an outbreak of cholera and other waterborne diseases in northeast states of Adamawa, Yobe and Borno following the flooding which has submerged communities there.
Its warning was sequel to the outbreak of the disease in August and September 2022, where at least 7,750 cases were recorded.
A statement by the Embassy on Thursday, in Abuja, also expressed concern that the current flooding disaster may worsen the situation, noting that already, unusual heavy rainfall resulting in flooding has affected nearly 2.8 million people across the country and “many homes have been damaged or completely destroyed, displacing millions of people.”
It added 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,over 4 million people are projected to continue experiencing acute food insecurity amid the worsening global food crisis.”
Announcing a donation of $1million through the United States Agency for Humanitarian Development (USAID), the statement explained that the “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.”
The statement quoted the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard,as saying that: “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.”
“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.
“The United States maintains 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”