Refugee Commission Begins Rollout Of Palliatives To Borno Flood Victims – Commissioner

• The NCFRMI announces immediate distribution of palliatives to Maiduguri flood victims, following severe flooding that caused at least 30 deaths
• Relief items include food, hygiene materials, and medical supplies, with ongoing efforts to assess the total number of affected individuals

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has announced the immediate distribution of palliatives to victims of the recent flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Officials reported on Wednesday that the severe flooding has resulted in at least 30 deaths. The incident has also caused extensive damage, flooding hundreds of homes and affecting farmlands, residential areas, and business premises. The disaster was triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam, which overflowed its banks, causing floodwaters to inundate Maiduguri from around 10 kilometres away.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Hon. Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed, stated that the commission had prepared relief items for delivery to the state and distribution to those affected.

“In light of these circumstances, the Commission has completed an immediate palliative arrangement to support the displaced population in Borno State,” Ahmed said. “The items include food, non-food, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) materials, medical supplies, and various other interventions.”

Ahmed, who had recently visited Maiduguri with Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, disclosed that the commission is still gathering data to determine the specific number of those affected, as profiling of the victims is ongoing. He emphasized that the NCFRMI’s mandate is to ensure protection, assistance, care, maintenance, rehabilitation, and durable solutions for those displaced by climate change-induced disasters.

“We will provide food, non-food items, educational materials, WASH resources, shelter, drugs, and medical supplies to address emergency needs and bring relief to those severely impacted by the flooding,” he added.

Ahmed also highlighted that the commission would provide mental health and psychosocial support to the affected population and assist the Borno State Government in providing access to recovery shelters at the Amarwa Resettlement City.

“Finally, to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents, the Commission will work with relevant stakeholders to conduct awareness campaigns. These will educate households on the importance of clearing drainage lines to facilitate proper water flow within Maiduguri and surrounding communities,” he concluded.