The United States has stepped up to provide critical humanitarian aid to thousands of victims affected by the devastating floods in Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State in northern Nigeria.
The severe flooding that occurred on September 10, 2024, has led to the loss of lives, widespread destruction of properties, and the displacement of countless families.
“The United States is deeply saddened by the devastating floods that have affected Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and the displacement of many families.
“We extend our condolences to the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this disaster,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the US government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, launched a major relief effort, working alongside United Nations agencies and other partners.
It added that over the past few days, USAID, in partnership with the World Food Program, has distributed emergency hot meals to more than 67,000 people in four camps hosting internally displaced persons.
The WFP is also delivering life-saving nutritional aid to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under the age of five.
Additionally, the International Organisation for Migration is utilising $3 million in USAID funds to support flood recovery efforts across the country.
To reach inaccessible areas in Borno and Maiduguri city, USAID is backing the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service in carrying out food airlifts to ensure that aid reaches the hardest-hit communities.
USAID has also engaged international and local NGOs to redirect existing resources to provide immediate relief to residents in flood-stricken Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Area.
“Through the World Food Program, USAID is providing hot meal rations in four camps hosting internally displaced persons and has reached more than 67,000 individuals in the past few days.
“The WFP also is providing emergency nutrition assistance to pregnant and lactating women, including children under five years old. The International Organisation for Migration is using an initial $3 million in USAID funding to address flood needs across the country.
GIK/APA