Heavy flooding in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, has submerged more than half of the city and displaced thousands of residents, the Nigerian Red Cross volunteers in the city report.

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.

Due to the sheer magnitude of humanitarian needs, the Nigerian Red Cross in a statement on Thursday urgently called for donations to support its response to the catastrophe. Already, NRCS volunteers are currently assisting affected individuals find safe places to stay and providing crucial psychosocial support.

Reports indicate that floodwaters continue to rise, leaving thousands of residents homeless and causing significant disruption to businesses, schools, and hospitals. The situation is escalating, and immediate action is required to prevent a severe humanitarian crisis.

President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, calls on 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 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 hope to the affected communities, but the magnitude of this crisis calls for collective action.

Nigerian Red Cross Society, in collaboration with local authorities and other humanitarian partners, has deployed emergency response teams to the most affected areas.

According to Dr. Abubakar Kende, the Secretary General, 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 yet are reporting to duty while attending to the needs of their families.”