ActionAid Nigeria Raises Alarm Over Worsening Hardship as Flood Devastates Thousands of Families

ActionAid Nigeria has decried that thousands of families in the country are presently living through unimaginable hardship along with homes destroyed and livelihood lost.

Speaking on the recent flood incidents in parts of the country especially the devastating one in Maiduguri which left over half of the ancient city submerged in water, the Country Director of the NGO, Andrew Mamedu on Friday in Abuja said it was sad that the country is presently witnessing devastation.

Mamedu, who was represented by the Deputy Country Director at the media briefing, lamented that  thousands of families in Nigeria are living through unimaginable hardship along with homes destroyed and livelihood lost.

Mamedu, while addressing the tragedy, commended the efforts of the federal and state governments for their swift response, even as he commiserated with all the affected people, and extended condolences to all affected families and various states.

The FG, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has announced funds for provision of material, rescue support and medical services.

He applauded that the government has reflected seriousness in approaching the situation, but added that they must however act with urgency.

He said: “The immediate release of those funds for implementation is essential to ensure that timely interventions reach those most in need, we cannot afford delay while thousands remain without shelter, food, and the essentials for survival. Speed is critical but also, is ensuring that this process is conducted with integrity and accountability.”

Mamedu added that, as at 12th of December 2023, NEMA records shows that the flood this year impact 28 states.

However with over 1,040,312 people in 172 local government areas, claiming 259 lives and displacing over 625,239 people and 94,491 houses destroyed also 125,805 hectares of farmland lost.

He said, this disaster cannot be overstated, it’s required immediate, unified action.

Mamedu highlighted that, in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and other regions situation is dire, communities are already grappling with poverty displacement due to conflict are now facing additional burden of flood.

Meanwhile in Maiduguri, over 37 bodies have been reported, 58 persons with severe injuries and over 389,267 persons are  displaced.

However over 7,155 have also been affected in 9 LGAs while 737 farmland have been washed away.

He said: “Over 414,176 persons were utterly affected and are wandering about in search of shelter, security and hope. More than 114,000 existing internally displaced persons also have been directly affected 

“Actionaid Nigeria is on ground working with local and international partners to provide immediate relief our teams have been conducting rapid needs assessments, distributing emergency food supplies, clean water hygiene kits, and other essential items to the most affected areas the needs are vast, and our resources are being stretched to the limit.

“We are most concerned about the women and children who are bearing the brunt of this disaster, especially those living  in IDP camps are at the heightened risk of gender based violence and exploitation, many have lost their livelihood, pushing them into deeper poverty 

“We cannot allow this crisis to undo the progress we have made in advancing woman’s right and dignity.” He added.

Michael Olugbode

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