For Immediate Release
Press Release
In response to the transition government of Mali’s August 23 declaration of a state of national disaster, the United States Embassy in Bamako, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing urgent humanitarian assistance to households impacted by the recent devastating floods in Bamako. USAID is providing an initial $125,000 to UNICEF and the International Federation of the Red Cross or the Malian Red Cross to meet urgent humanitarian needs. This assistance will help coordinate the national response plan and reach Malians in Bamako and other hardest-hit areas with critical food, shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene products.
This assistance complements USAID’s ongoing efforts. In the Cercle of Bla in Ségou, USAID has funded the distribution of buckets, food, water purification tablets, kitchen utensils, mats, oil, rice, and soap. USAID has also contributed to the distribution of 2.5 tons of energy biscuits and provided five vehicles to assist with evacuations.
The U.S. Government is committed to supporting the Malian government in addressing the severe flooding crisis that has affected over 7,000 households, resulting in more than 30 fatalities and 104 injuries. With ongoing rains likely to impact nearly 344,000 people this year, the U.S. will continue to assist Mali in its efforts to mitigate the crisis and support affected communities.
The United States remains the largest humanitarian and development donor in Mali, having provided more than $128 million to humanitarian activities since October 2022.