Millions of people are at risk in Nigeria from flooding; relief team leader highlights famine in Burkina Faso |
Statement on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres issuing a statement on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres said that infrastructure and agricultural land have also been damaged, worsening the cost of living across the country. than.
He extended his deepest condolences to the Government of Nigeria and the families affected, reiterating the UN’s continued “committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria during this challenging time. “
More than 1.5 million children are in danger as devastating floods hit Nigeria.
United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEFreported that 60% of those in need are children, who are at high risk of water-borne diseases, drowning and malnutrition.
Flooding has affected 34 of the country’s 36 states, and more than 600 people have lost their lives, with 200,000 homes partially or completely damaged.
In the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, a total of 7,485 cholera cases and 319 related deaths have been reported as of October 12, and rain is expected to continue through weeks, along with increased humanitarian needs.
‘Extremely vulnerable’
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, said: “Children and young people in flood-affected areas are in an extremely vulnerable situation.
“They are particularly at risk of water-borne diseases and emotional and psychological distress. UNICEF is working closely with the Government and other partners to provide life-saving support to those most in need.”
The immediate priority needs for children include health, water, sanitation and hygiene; as well as shelter and food.
Humanitarian need ‘rising rapidly’ in Burkina Faso: Griffiths
The United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, concluded a short-term fact-finding mission to nearby Burkina Faso on Friday, saying it was a pivotal time for the West African nation. this landlocked.
“Humanitarian needs are growing rapidly. A quarter of the population, or about 4.9 million people, need urgent assistance, a staggering 40% more than at the beginning of the year,” he said. “1/10 Burkinabe had to relocate from their home by devastating conflict and climate shocks”.
Growing insecurity from radical armed groups operating across much of the Sahel and blockades in many areas has left communities isolated and lacking in humanitarian aid supplies.
“Provide vital lifesaving relief to those in need with a level of dignity and respect that every human being deserves, We urgently require additional resources. Our $805 million response plan in Burkina Faso is funded by less than a third. “
Abstain from leaves and salt
Relief team leader Griffiths said he has met several displaced people in the town of Djibo who have been eating “just leaves and salt, for weeks.”
“The situation is so bad that women are risking their lives, crossing the line of control at night in search of food. I spoke with community leaders who called on those in charge to pave the way for vital food, water and medicine to reach them, to save lives. There are peaceful initiatives to find a solution and there is still hope. The people of Djibo deserve more respect, admiration and support from us in this moment of great need. “
He also met Burkina Faso’s new military leader, Ibrahim Traoré, who was sworn in on Friday and vowed to defeat terrorism in the north, replacing a former coup leader who has taken power. in January.
Griffiths said he had emphasized the need to protect civilians, including those caught up in the conflict, and asked the transitional president to ensure “a environment conducive to humanitarian action and allowing humanitarian accessso that we can reach all Burkinabé people in need, everywhere in the country. “
During the first nine months of this year, the UN and our humanitarian partners provided food assistance to 1.8 million people and supported 740,000 people to access health care in places where medical facilities shutdown and lack of medical supplies.
USG Martin Griffiths speaks to displaced people in the northern Burkina Faso town of Djibo, where hundreds of thousands of people have sought safety due to devastating conflict and climate change.
