BY ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, SEPTEMBER 10, 2924 | 6:17PM
The recent flood that hit Maiduguri has left a trail of destruction, displacing thousands of people, destroying property worth millions, and claiming lives.
The situation is dire, and the most vulnerable members of society - children, women, and the elderly - are bearing the brunt of the disaster.
In response to the crisis, the government has established an emergency internally displaced persons camp to provide shelter to the victims, mostly children and women.
This is a commendable step, but more needs to be done to evacuate trapped people to safer locations.
We urge the government to deploy helicopters, boats, and other resources to rescue those stranded in flooded areas.
The trapped individuals, particularly children, women, and the elderly, require immediate attention. They are at risk of starvation, dehydration, and exposure to waterborne diseases. If left unattended, this could lead to a humanitarian crisis, with potential long-term consequences for their health, well-being, and livelihoods.
Furthermore, the psychological trauma caused by this disaster should not be underestimated.
Children, women, and the elderly may experience anxiety, fear, and stress, which could have lasting impacts on their mental health.
We applaud the efforts of individuals who are providing support to victims with food and evacuating trapped people using canoes.
However, a more coordinated and comprehensive response is needed to address the scale of this disaster.
We call on the government to:
- Scale up evacuation efforts using helicopters, boats, and other resources.
- Provide adequate food, shelter, and medical assistance to displaced persons.
- Ensure the safety and security of vulnerable groups, particularly children, women, and the elderly.
- Collaborate with humanitarian organizations and local communities to amplify relief efforts.
Furthermore, we urge the government to take proactive measures to prevent the outbreak of waterborne and airborne diseases in the camps where the victims are being sheltered.
The floodwaters may have brought with them a host of health risks, including the spread of cholera, typhoid, and malaria.
Additionally, the camps, having been unused for a long time, may harbor disease-carrying insects and rodents. We recommend that the government immediately fumigate the camps to eliminate these health risks and provide a safe environment for the displaced persons.
This should be done in conjunction with the provision of adequate healthcare services, including medical screening, vaccination, and treatment of diseases.
By taking these measures, the government can help prevent the spread of diseases and ensure the well-being of the flood victims.