*Mary Leonard, United States Ambassador to Nigeria, says the US ‘regrets the effects of the unusual rainfall’, explaining the assistance includes provision of emergency shelter, relief commodities, and hygiene kits to promote safe and healthy practices, and multipurpose cash assistance for people impacted by the devastating flooding in the  West African country

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to recent  downpours resulting in loss of loved ones, livelihoods and homes in several parts of the West African country, United States (US) Government has pledged $1million in immediate humanitarian assistance to cushion the effects of floods in Nigeria.

Mary Leonard, US Ambassador to Nigeria, who said this in a statement, noted that several hundreds of people had lost their lives and property worth billions of Naira to devastating floods that hit various states in the country.

The Ambassador stated the support would come through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

The assistance includes provision of emergency shelter, 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.

Leonard also noted that the United States regrets the effects of the unusual rainfall, and would not renege on its obligation of providing humanitarian assistance across flood-ravaged areas.

“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,” she stated.

The US Envoy also said: “The unusually heavy rainfall and resulting flooding have affected nearly 2.8 million people across the country.

“In addition, many homes have been damaged or destroyed, displacing millions of people.”

The Embassy further noted: “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, more than 4 million people are projected to continue experiencing acute food insecurity amid the worsening global food crisis.

“We are also concerned that standing floodwaters could increase the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states, where cholera outbreaks were declared in August and September and at least 7,750 cases were recorded. In 2022, 31 out of 36 states reported cholera cases.”

Leonard stated: “The $1 million in new USAID support 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.”