The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has issued an urgent call for donations to support relief efforts following catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State. The floods have submerged more than half of the city, leaving thousands displaced and disrupting daily life, businesses, and essential services.
Volunteers from the NRCS have been mobilized to provide immediate assistance, including helping displaced residents find safe shelter and offering critical psychosocial support. Eyewitnesses describe the flooding as the worst the region has seen since 1994.
Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “As we continue to provide aid and comfort to those in need, the Nigerian Red Cross Society passionately appeals for additional support from the public, private sector, and international community. The scale of this disaster necessitates a comprehensive response to ensure that all affected individuals receive the assistance they require.”
With floodwaters still rising, the NRCS is coordinating closely with local authorities and other humanitarian partners to deploy emergency response teams to the most affected areas.
According to Dr. Abubakar Kende, Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the response efforts focus on providing critical support:
-First Aid Services: Medical teams are offering essential healthcare, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
-Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): To prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, the NRCS is distributing water purification tablets and educating communities on hygiene practices.
-Emergency Shelters: In collaboration with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the NRCS is establishing temporary shelters and distributing vital supplies, including clean water, food, and non-food items.
-Psychosocial Support: Recognizing the trauma experienced by flood victims, the NRCS is offering emotional and psychological support to affected families.
Dr. Kende expressed solidarity with the flood victims and volunteers, stating, “We stand in solidarity with the people affected by the floods in different areas in Borno State. Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones, those displaced, and those who lost their properties. We also salute our volunteers and staff who have been impacted by the floods but continue to serve tirelessly.”
For those wishing to contribute to the relief efforts, the NRCS encourages donations and support from both local and international communities. The situation remains critical, and immediate action is necessary to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis.
For more information or to donate, contact the Nigerian Red Cross Society at info@redcrossnigeria.org
