European Union mobilises 1.1 million euros to help flood victims in Nigeria
Nigeria has been hit by severe floods that have devastated several regions, causing the death of many people, the destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of millions of inhabitants. In response, the European Union (EU) has released €1.1 million (US$1.22 million) to support the most affected populations.
European aid to meet urgent needs
The funding is part of a total of €5.4 million ($6.01 million) that the EU is allocating to six African countries, including Nigeria, to mitigate the impact of recent floods. Humanitarian partners on the ground will use the money to provide immediate assistance to people, including food, shelter, access to clean water and sanitation. According to the EU, these efforts aim to address the most urgent needs in the worst-affected areas.
In addition to Nigeria, other beneficiary countries include Chad and Mali, each with €1 million, Niger will receive €1.35 million, while Cameroon and Burkina Faso will get €650,000 and €300,000 respectively. This funding comes on top of the €232 million already provided to these countries by the EU since the beginning of the year.
Floods report and efforts of the Nigerian government
Since the start of the rainy season, Nigeria has recorded 269 flood-related deaths, with more than 641,000 people displaced, according to figures from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) dated September 15, 2024. The north of the country is particularly affected by these extreme weather events.
In response, the Nigerian government has distributed over 42,000 tonnes of food to support vulnerable people. NEMA is coordinating these efforts alongside international responses to support victims.
Conclusion: Major economic losses due to climate change
These climate events once again show the growing impact of climate change in Africa. The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) State of the Climate in Africa 2023 report reveals that African countries lose between 2 and 5% of their GDP each year due to climate disasters, such as heatwaves, heavy rains, cyclones and droughts.
