XAF 328 million additional EU humanitarian aid for floods in Chad

The European Union (EU) has allocated more than 328 million CFA francs (500,000 euros) in humanitarian funds to UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, to support the affected populations in the provinces of Batha, Mandoul, Logone Occidental and Salamat, heavily affected by the heavy rains recorded since July, which have caused severe flooding throughout the country. 

"The EU aid will enable UNICEF to support more than 7,235 families, representing about 36,175 people, with water treatment products and jerry cans, tarpaulins, blankets and other household items. 827 latrines will also be built. The focus on clean water and hygiene is important to protect affected communities and especially children from water-borne and other infectious diseases," said David Kerespars, who heads the EU humanitarian office in Chad.

This EU funding will enable UNICEF to coordinate emergency assistance for the construction of cluster points and relocation sites for flood victims.

"At this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF's response to the floods in Chad focuses on improving water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as infection prevention and control measures. Outreach activities aim to prevent the spread of the virus, ensuring that children and women do not avoid health centres and receive preventive care," said Viviane van Steirteghem, UNICEF Representative in Chad.

The intervention will provide safe drinking water and sanitation works that will ensure better hygiene for the affected population. Essential household items will also be distributed to the most vulnerable.

The European Union has already allocated €30 million in humanitarian assistance to Chad in 2020.

Background 
The European Union, together with its Member States, is the world's largest humanitarian donor. Emergency aid is an expression of European solidarity with crisis-affected populations throughout the world. The assistance aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering and preserve the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters or man-made crises.

The European Commission's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department (ECHO) of the European Union provides assistance to millions of victims of conflicts and disasters every year. Through its headquarters in Brussels and its global network of local offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs alone.