.Red Cross launches appeal fund
.SEMA rescues 719 victims
By Uche Onyeali (Abuja), Hassan Jirgi, Maiduguri
Presidency and the National Assembly have designed strategies to bring succour to the victims of the devastating flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said this yesterday while briefing newsmen shortly after he commiserated with the Vice-President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said, ”I am here today to commiserate with His Excellency, the Vice-President, over the devastating flood in Maiduguri.
”That is the purpose of my visit here, and I used that opportunity to discuss extensively on the problems and the situation of the people, particularly those affected in Maiduguri.
”We have also designed some strategies and solutions by both the National Assembly and the Presidency to implement in the next few days to bring succour to the victims of the flood in Maiduguri”.
Abbas, expressed confidence in the ability of Gov. Umara Zulum of Borno State to ensure the judicious distribution of the Federal Government’s N3 billion intervention to the victims of the disaster.
He added, ”The Governor, that is known for transparency. The Governor of Borno State , I am absolutely sure that whatever will be provided for them from the Presidency will be judiciously distributed, so I have no fear about that”.
Abbas, said apart from Borno, the Federal Government had also extended palliative to other states affected by the flood disaster.
”Like my own state, Kaduna, it has had similar flood incidents, some few weeks ago and we have taken measures to also address that by giving palliatives.
”We have also reached out to the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and also advised us to also assist the victims there.
”We are also making efforts with the governor of Niger state to see what we can do by the NASS to help, and also, all the other states that are affected, we will do what we can to help”, he said.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Red Cross Society, NRCS, has launched an appeal fund for donations to support thousands of residents affected by the deadly flood that submerged about 70 percent of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The NRCS in a statement yesterday signed by its coordinator for Communications and Advocacy, Chima Nwankwo, said it was providing critical support, including first aid services, water, sanitation and hygiene services, emergency shelters and psychosocial support to victims of the disaster.
According to the statement, “Due to the sheer magnitude of humanitarian needs, the Nigerian Red Cross urgently calls for donations to support its response to the catastrophic floods in Maiduguri, Borno State. 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.”
It added that the president of Nigerian Red Cross Society, Oluyemisi Adeaga, called 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,” Adeaga said.
The organisation expressed its commitment to standing with the people of Maiduguri during this challenging time, as well as doing everything within its capacity to provide relief and restore hope to affected communities.
Besides, Borno State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, has rescued 719 victims from the flood in Maiduguri and Jere areas of the state.
Director-General of the agency, Mohammed Barkindo, while giving an update on the flood as it entered its second day.
The victims were trapped on rooftops, trees, and upstairs in various locations around the town, Barkindo stated.
According to him, “SEMA went with divers and rescued 719 people trapped in trees and upstairs, taking them to their chosen locations. The rescue operations started yesterday and continued up to this time today.
“We documented their contacts to check on their well-being since they were taken to private residences, where they insisted on living with their relatives.
“Virtually all those we rescued, especially along Lagos Street, said they preferred to stay with their relatives, while the rest also suggested better options. None of the 719 was taken to the camp”.
