EU provides €80,000 support for flood victims in 5 states

European Union said it has provided support of €80,000 (N35.5 million) to assist the most vulnerable people affected by floods in Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

The Union, in a statement by its Press and Information Officer, Modestus Chukwulaka, said the funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

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“This EU funding supports the Nigerian Red Cross Society in delivering much-needed relief, including cash grants to enable households to acquire goods for their basic needs, to ensure access to safe drinking water, to provide sanitation services to affected communities, and to promote best hygiene practices despite the emergency context,” the statement read in parts.

He noted that over 150 people have died, and around 25,000 are displaced as a result of the heavy rainfall in Nigeria that began in September.

“Some of the worst flooding occurred in early October, caused by the bursting banks of the Benue and Niger rivers. Affected communities have lost their homes, essential belongings, and cropland. Floodwaters are also exposing communities to the risk of waterborne diseases,” it added.