The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has evacuated 117 people from four medical facilities affected by rising floodwaters in Borno State. The ICRC spokesman, Aliyu Dawobe, announced this on Monday, according to media reports. He noted that the floods have impacted over 414,000 people.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) said it worked with the ICRC to conduct search and rescue operations, provide medical evacuations, and offer first aid. They also helped reunite 76 children with their families and ensured the safe handling of 22 deceased bodies.
Additionally, the ICRC said it donated 150 body bags to the NRCS, Borno State Specialist Hospital, and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and would supply Aquatabs and chlorine powder to fight potential cholera outbreaks. The humanitarian agency said it plans to distribute essential items, such as blankets, kitchen kits, mosquito nets, and hygiene kits to affected households.
The flood, caused by the collapse of Maiduguri’s 40-year-old neglected Alau Dam, has caused untold suffering to the affected citizens. Instead of addressing the root cause of the flooding, the Nigerian government have resorted to donations of bags of rice and other grains. The Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced on X that the Minister of Agriculture delivered more grains over the weekend.
President Tinubu has sent 100 trailers of milled rice, 50 trailers of maize, 30 trailers of sorghum, and 20 trailers of millet to flood victims in Borno State, Onanuga stated.
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