Raphael Oni
The European Union has released €5.4 million in humanitarian aid to support the most affected populations in the aftermath of the devastating floods in Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, and Burkina Faso. This emergency funding comes as over 4.4 million people struggle to cope with the disaster’s impact.
The floods have left a trail of destruction, ravaging houses, public health facilities, water systems, schools, and sanitation facilities, as well as roads, infrastructure, and agricultural areas. The lack of access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation services has increased the risk of waterborne diseases.
“The situation is dire, and we must act swiftly,” said Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management. “Excessive rainfalls have lashed the Sahel and Lake Chad regions with unprecedented impact, displacing millions and causing widespread suffering and damage.”
The EU’s emergency aid will be distributed among the affected countries: Chad (€1 million), Niger (€1.35 million), Nigeria (€1.1 million), Mali (€1 million), Cameroon (€650,000), and Burkina Faso (€300,000). This funding complements the €232 million already allocated to these countries this year.
In addition to this support, the EU and its partners have responded to the immediate consequences of floods in Liberia, Guinea, Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Mali through timely adjustments to ongoing actions and contributions to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund.
The floods have had a devastating impact across the region. In Mali, precipitation levels have reached unprecedented heights, surpassing records since 1967. Niger has seen over 1 million people affected, while Chad grapples with 1.5 million impacted individuals, with more rainfall expected. Nigeria’s Northern regions, already reeling from conflict, insecurity, and high inflation, are among the hardest hit, with approximately 641,600 people displaced.
The EU’s emergency aid will help provide immediate relief, addressing urgent needs such as food, shelter, access to clean water, sanitation, and essential services in the hardest-hit areas.
As the situation continues to unfold, the EU’s support will be crucial in mitigating the disaster’s impact and ensuring the most vulnerable receive the assistance they desperately need.