Red Cross seeks donations for Maiduguri flood victims to ‘avert humanitarian crises’

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has appealed for urgent donations to provide humanitarian services for victims of the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno.

The flood on Tuesday displaced many residents in the Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin areas of Maiduguri, following the collapse of the Alau dam, which has been at full capacity for the past few weeks.

The water swept through streets, submerged houses, and roads, forcing many residents to seek higher plains for refuge.

The flood reportedly forced many wild animals, including reptiles and ostriches, out of their enclosures at the state zoological garden into the streets.

The flooding is said to be the worst in Borno in 30 years.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NRCS said it has swiftly mobilised its resources to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to affected communities.

However, the agency noted that the situation is escalating, adding that more help is needed.

Oluyemisi Adeaga, the NRCS president, urged Nigerians to respond promptly to avert a humanitarian crisis.

“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 statement reads.

“The scale of this disaster necessitates a comprehensive response to ensure that all affected individuals receive the assistance they require.”

Adeaga said NRSC is providing first aid support, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services; emergency shelters; and psychosocial support.

She added that the organisation is also collaborating with local authorities and other humanitarian partners to deploy emergency response teams to the most affected areas, noting that collective action is most effective.