According to UNICEF, 60 percent of the 2.5 million people in need of assistance are children – and they are at increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition.
The floods which have been described as the most severe flooding in the past decade have affected 34 out of the 36 states in the country, and have displaced 1.3 million people.
Over 600 people have lost their lives and over 200,000 houses have either been partially or fully damaged. Cases of diarrhea and water-borne diseases, respiratory infection, and skin diseases have already been on the rise. In the north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe alone, a total of 7,485 cases of cholera and 319 associated deaths were reported as of 12 October. As rains are expected to continue for several weeks, humanitarian needs are also expected to rise.
“Children and adolescents in flood-affected areas are in an extremely vulnerable situation,” said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria. “They are particularly at risk of waterborne diseases and emotional and psychological distress. UNICEF is working closely with the Government and other partners to provide life-saving assistance to those who are most in need.”
The floods are adding another layer of complexity to an already precarious humanitarian situation in the country. Immediate priority needs for children include health, water, sanitation, and hygiene; as well as shelter and food. Additional funding and resources are required to respond to growing needs and to sustain ongoing humanitarian interventions, with a focus on the most vulnerable, including children with disabilities.
According to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI), Nigeria is considered at ‘extremely high risk’ of the impacts of climate change, ranking second out of 163 countries.
With additional support, UNICEF can scale up its response in other states to provide lifesaving medical equipment and essential medicines, chlorination of water and sanitation supplies, as well as to support the prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence.
ALSO READ: Malnutrition threatens learning outcomes of children in Nigeria’s Northeast.
Big Brother Naira reality TV star, Tacha Akide has stirred controversy following her playful game…
Nigerian comedienne, Anita Asuoha, better known as Real Warri Pikin, and her husband, Ikechukwu, are…
Nigerian singer, Fireboy DML has recounted a heartbreaking experience from his early days in the…
Sierra Leone's Minister of Energy, Kanja Sesay has tendered his resignation following weeks of electricity…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that the American International School Abuja…
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled in favor of Mr. Patrick Arueze, against P-Square…