THE Nigerian Red Cross Society, (NRCS) has called for urgent donations following heavy flooding that in Maiduguri, Borno State’s capital, which has displaced thousands and submerged major places in the city.
The Society made the appeal in a statement, released on Wednesday, September 11 by its coordinator, communications and Advocacy, Chima Nwankwo.
While noting that it has mobilised emergency response teams to assist affected residents, he stressed that the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed available resources, consequently prompting a nationwide appeal for help.
The flooding, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam following heavy rains, has affected up to a million people in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Areas (LGAs), according to the state governor, Babagana Umara Zulum.
The ICIR reports that the flood displaced thousands of residents and destroyed their homes while also displacing animals from the zoo.
The flood, which surged into the early hours of Tuesday, September 10, inundated several communities in Maiduguri and Jere LGAS. Areas such as Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, Bulabulin, and communities near the Custom area were particularly hard hit.
Speaking on the situation in the statement, president of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Oluyemisi Adeaga, said, “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.”
He noted that the organisation is committed to standing with the people of Maiduguri during this challenging time, adding it is “doing everything within our capacity to provide relief and restore hope to the affected communities, but the magnitude of this crisis calls for collective action.”
According to Abubakar Kende, the Secretary General, to the Society, the NRCS team is providing critical support, including first aid services, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Services and Emergency Shelters.
The statement further noted that the organisation is working closely with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other humanitarian partners to ensure that relief efforts reach those most in need.
However, it stressed that more resources are required to prevent the crisis from worsening.
The Red Cross urged Nigerians to contribute to the relief efforts, noting that the situation is escalating rapidly and immediate action is needed.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M