ActionAid Nigeria working in a consortium First Step Action and other partners said it has invested at least $350,000 on humanitarian interventions to tackle flood related issues in Benue.
It also called for improved stakeholder’s coordination and funding in order to address the reoccurring effect of flood in Nigeria.
Addressing a press conference at the Metropolitan Hotel, Sunday in Makurdi, Country Director of ActionAid, Andrew Mamedu, who was represented by David Haba, the Humanitarian and Resilient Manager, said there was need for government to appropriate dedicated fund to manage the effect of flood and address the root cause of the perennial disaster.
He said based on record, the year 2022 marked one of the darkest periods for Nigeria, as the country experienced the worst flooding in over a decade.
He further said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported a staggering toll – at least 603 lives lost, over 2,400 injuries, and more than 1.4 million people displaced by the flood as of November 2022.
He noted that the aftermath of the catastrophe caused by the flood continued to haunt many communities, with recovery efforts still underway.
He said the effects of flooding on individuals and communities were multifaceted and far- reaching.
He said the floods in year 2023 have sadly also left a trail of destruction, displacing thousands, and causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
“Lives are lost, injuries sustained, and the cost of treatment becomes an additional burden.
“Homes are destroyed, properties including vehicles and businesses are damaged, and the disruption of transportation leads to job losses and economic setbacks.
“Farmlands and livestock are ravaged, impacting the livelihoods of entire communities.
“Yesterday, the federal government declared a state of emergency on the humanitarian crisis in Benue state, recognising the urgent need for immediate intervention.
ActionAid expends $350, 000 on humanitarian support in Benue
