The European Union (EU) has announced the release of €5.4 million in humanitarian aid to assist communities devastated by recent floods across six West African countries: Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, and Burkina Faso. This emergency funding is aimed at providing immediate relief and addressing the urgent needs of the hardest-hit areas.
The floods have affected an estimated 4.4 million people, resulting in widespread destruction of homes, schools, health facilities, and water systems. Critical infrastructure like roads and sanitation facilities has also been severely damaged, raising concerns about increased vulnerability to waterborne diseases and further isolation from essential services.
According to the EU, this aid will allow humanitarian partners to deliver food, shelter, clean water, and sanitation to those most in need. The funds will be distributed based on the severity of the impact in each country, with Chad receiving €1 million, Niger €1.35 million, Nigeria €1.1 million, Mali €1 million, Cameroon €650,000, and Burkina Faso €300,000.
This latest funding is part of a broader commitment from the EU, which has already provided €232 million in humanitarian assistance to the region this year. The EU has also contributed to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to support immediate flood response efforts.
Janez Lenarčič, the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, emphasized the unprecedented scale of flooding in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions, noting the significant displacement and suffering caused by the excessive rainfall. He reiterated the EU’s dedication to providing critical aid to the most vulnerable populations affected by the disaster.
Reporter: Ama Marcus, ADBN News.
