The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has swiftly mobilized its resources to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to affected communities. The flooding, which eyewitnesses have described as the worst since 1994, has impacted many communities, disrupting businesses, school activities, and daily life in the capital city of Borno State.
According to the NRCS, President, Prince Oluyemisi Adetayo Adeaga, “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 the international community. The scale of this disaster necessitates a comprehensive response to ensure that all affected individuals receive the assistance they require.”
The Nigerian Red Cross Society is committed to standing with the people of Maiduguri during this challenging time. We are doing everything within our capacity to provide relief and restore the affected communities, but the magnitude of this crisis calls for collective action.
In collaboration with local authorities and other humanitarian partners, the Nigerian Red Cross Society has deployed emergency response teams to the most affected areas.
According to Dr. Abubakar Kende, the Secretary-General, of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Our teams are providing critical support, including:
First Aid Services: Medical teams are on the ground offering first aid and healthcare services to those injured or in need of medical attention. Special attention is being given to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Services: To prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases, our teams are distributing water purification tablets and educating affected communities on best practices for maintaining hygiene in emergency conditions.
Emergency Shelters: The NRCS is working with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to set up temporary shelters and provide essential relief supplies, including clean water, food, and non-food items, to displaced families.
Psychosocial Support: Recognizing the trauma experienced by flood victims, the NRCS is providing psychosocial support to help individuals and families cope with the emotional and psychological impacts of the disaster.
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, were displaced, and those who lost their properties due to the floods. We also stand in solidarity with our own volunteers and staff who were impacted and are reporting to duty while attending to the needs of their families.
About the NRCS:
Established by Nigeria’s Act of Parliament in 1960 and recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a Member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies in 1963, the Nigerian Red Cross Society has been a cornerstone of humanitarian response in Nigeria. With a vast network of over 800,000 volunteers across the 36 states and FCT and 774 Local Governments. The NRCS provides essential services including search and rescue, disaster relief, health education, and emergency response and post-community resilience and development.
For further information or to contribute to the relief efforts, please contact the Nigerian RedCrossSociety at info@redcrossnigeria.org
For interviews or enquiries, contact:
Chima Nwankwo
Coordinator, Communications and Advocacy Nigerian Red Cross Society
Phone: +234 802 359 7255
