The U.S. Government,
through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing
an initial $50,000 to the Togolese Red Cross for the provision of emergency
relief supplies to the flood-affected population in Togo.
Beginning in mid-July, heavy rains led to flooding in central and
southeastern Togo, including the cities of Atakpame, Vogan and the capital
of Lome. The UN Development Program estimates that the flooding has killed
6 people, affected between 30,000 and 40,000 others, and displaced
approximately 4,000 families. The Government of Togo has evacuated
flood-affected families, who are currently sheltered in school buildings
and camps set up by the Togolese military.
On July 27, flood waters on the Haho River destroyed infrastructure,
including a strategic bridge on the main north/south road linking Lome to
the rest of Togo and the Sahel countries. The UN Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that the floods also damaged
crops and rendered at least nine bridges unusable, disrupting trade links
with neighboring countries and potentially exacerbating the ongoing food
crisis in West Africa.
USAID will continue to monitor the situation in close consultation with
the U.S. Embassy in Lome and provide additional support as needed.
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International
Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide
for nearly 50 years.
SOURCE U.S. Agency for International Development
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