Floods in Nigeria: Malteser launch emergency aid
Cologne/Maiduguri. Heavy rainfall has caused the Alau Dam to burst in the city of Maiduguri. Around 40 percent of the metropolis in northeastern Nigeria is flooded, affecting approximately 280.000 people. The government estimates the number affected to be significantly higher, at up to one million. Malteser International is distributing 800 cholera prevention kits and 1.000 hygiene kits in the Bakasi refugee camp.
"The hygienic situation is very poor. The floodwaters carry feces and carcasses of dead animals. Even before the dam burst, the situation in Maiduguri was very difficult due to the heavy rains of the past weeks. But the water volumes that reached the city as a result of the dam burst were immense. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their homes and livestock," says Michael Steffen, Malteser International's country representative for Nigeria, who is on site.
Local authorities have requested humanitarian assistance. Malteser International is planning further emergency relief measures. The flexible funding provided by the Federal Foreign Office allows us to respond quickly and use resources for the benefit of those affected.
Malteser International has been active in northeast Nigeria since 2017, helping to improve living conditions in the camps and host communities. Its core activities focus on providing drinking water and preventing cholera. Malteser International also supports women and girls who have experienced violence.
Attention editors:
Michael Steffen, Country Officer for Nigeria at Malteser International, for interviews and original sound recordings on site available. Operator: +49 (0)221 9822- 7181 or – 7180, katharina.kiecol@malteser-international.org
Photos for download You will find here: https://malteser.eyebase.com/view/pind9U5oY5N
The affected people in Nigeria urgently need donations.
Maltese Relief Service e. V.
IBAN: DE10 3706 0120 1201 2000 12
Keyword: “Nigeria”
Online: www.malteser.de
Malteser International (MI) operates as an international humanitarian aid organization. It is a relief agency of the Catholic Order of Malta and is specifically dedicated to fulfilling the Order's mission of "helping those in need." Its mission is to improve the health and living conditions of people in need and displaced people worldwide. The organization provides assistance to people in need through over 130 projects in 36 countries, regardless of religion, political beliefs, origin, or gender. Christian values and the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence form the basis of its work. Further information: www.malteser-international.org
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Maltese Press Office
Tel. 0221 / 9822 – 2220 and -2202
presse@malteser.org
www.malteser.de