Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, has announced that the Government of Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency, is providing assistance to help those affected by the flooding in Nigeria.
Heavy rains that began in August 2012 and continued in September have led to the worst flooding in Nigeria in more than 40 years.
Nigerian authorities report that as many as 623,900 people have been displaced by flooding in 30 of the 36 states in the country.
Displaced persons are residing with host families or in makeshift camps.
In addition, most of the schools in the affected areas are closed due to the flooding or are housing displaced persons.
“Canadians are caring people, and this support is a continuing demonstration of Canadian generosity to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the floods in Nigeria,” said Minister Fantino. “Through CIDA’s partnership with the Red Cross Movement, we are able to ensure that immediate and concrete action is taken to alleviate suffering and provide relief to those who need it most.”
Canada is providing $50,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies through the Canadian Red Cross Society to help those impacted by the disaster.
This funding will help provide housing and other immediate needs to those most affected.
CIDA, through its International Humanitarian Assistance programme, aims to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain the dignity of those affected by conflicts and natural disasters by providing appropriate, timely, and effective responses.
The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure basic needs are met and provide further assistance if required.
African Press Organisation.
