Flood
From early August until October 2007, Nigeria experienced a major flood emergency which forced thousands of people to flee from their homes in various parts of the country. The flood waters spread contamination into wells, rivers and sources of drinking water, causing a rise in waterborne diseases, malaria and respiratory infections. In the South-West, North-East and South-East zones, some 411 villages were reported to be submerged, farmlands inundated and residents forced to leave with just a few belongings. The flooding was the worst in the last 40 years, causing enormous destruction and resulting in considerable losses of life across the country. A coordinated response was provided by UNICEF from its National Country Office and the Field Offices located in Lagos, Enugu, and Bauchi. Working with Government and civil society organizations, a multi-sectoral rapid assessment exercise was carried out in the affected States. The State Governments responded by setting up camps for displaced victims of the flood. Camps were set up in Anambra, Bauchi, Borno, Lagos, Ogun and Plateau States. These efforts were coordinated by the respective State Emergency Management agencies, who had already received the necessary training from UNICEF which enabled them to implement the contingency plans efficiently. Indeed, in all States efforts were made to help the victims of the flood. In Lagos State, for instance, relief materials such as beddings, toiletries, stoves, clothing, food and cooking utensils were provided to victims of the flood from the Government’s already pre-positioned stock of essential materials. UNICEF provided technical management support for the camps and provided relief materials including drums of chlorine powder for treating polluted water, water storage containers, long lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets, cartons of antiseptic, immunisation kits, midwifery kits, vitamin supplements, antibiotics and anti-malarial drugs. The organisation also assisted with de-worming and vaccination for the children as well as provision of other medical supplies. To meet the educational needs of the many children who could not attend schools because school buildings were submerged, UNICEF provided ‘school-in-a-box’ kits and mats for early childhood care. Teachers from affected schools were engaged to continue education in the emergency situation. UNICEF also provided recreational facilities and assisted in organizing health, hygiene and educational talks for adolescents and mothers.
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