Anambra: Red Cross Society Delivers Relief materials to Flood Victims  

The Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Red Cross Society has successfully distributed cash and essential relief materials to flood victims selected from three local government areas impacted by the 2024 flood disaster.

The distribution exercise, which commenced on Saturday and concluded on Monday, reached communities such as Akiri, Ozuzu, Atani, and Ohita in Ogbaru LGA, benefiting 410 registered households.

Anambra West LGA saw assistance extend to communities including Umu Oba, Mmiata Anam, Iheora, and Umueze Anam, with 436 households receiving aid. In Ayamelum LGA, communities such as Igbakwu, Ifite Ogwaru, and Umueze benefited 254 registered households.

At a distribution center located in the Ogbaru LGA headquarters in Atani, Kingsley Okoye, Branch Executive Secretary of the Red Cross, emphasized that the aid aims to provide financial relief and mitigate the devastating impacts of the floods on affected families.

“This initiative was established to comprehensively address both immediate relief and long-term recovery for the victims,” he stated.

Okoye explained that the distribution was a collaborative effort between the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection, facilitated by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

He expressed gratitude for the Commission’s humanitarian initiatives, which align with the Red Cross’s mission to ensure that assistance reaches those in need swiftly and effectively.

“As we are painfully aware, the recent floods have devastated communities across Nigeria, displacing thousands and leaving many in urgent need of assistance. Families have lost their homes, and livelihoods have been swept away. In these trying times, the call for action is more urgent than ever,” Okoye remarked.

He noted that the intervention included not only ATM cards with financial support but also jerry cans and water purifying tablets to help households sanitize their water, which had been compromised by the floods.

 “This exercise is non-political and non-partisan. It is aimed specifically at aiding families affected by the 2024 flood disaster.”

Okoye emphasized the unique capacity of the Red Cross Society to respond to such crises, reaching even the most remote and underserved communities. He assured that the organization would maintain transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, allowing the voices of the affected communities to guide actions.

“We are grateful to the ECHO and the IFRC for their steadfast support and trust in the Nigerian Red Cross Society. Together, we will not only respond to the immediate needs of flood victims but also lay the groundwork for long-term resilience. This intervention aims to enhance the socio-economic stability of the beneficiaries,” he concluded.

Community leaders and presidents of various groups overseeing the distribution commended the Red Cross Society for ensuring a seamless and transparent process. Sir Kenneth Akwuobi, Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, represented by Esimai Nnamdi, Chairman of the Local Emergency Management Committee, thanked the organization for its timely intervention.

“Everybody can see the excitement on the faces of the victims. This is truly an exercise that has brought relief and support to those in need. We commend the Red Cross for the efficient manner in which it was carried out,” he added.

The relief items included 25-litre gallons, buckets, Aqua tablets, and ATM cards pre-loaded with N77,000 each. This cash disbursement was provided to over 1,100 households across Ogbaru, Anambra West, and Ayamelum local government areas.

Beneficiaries, including elderly recipients such as Pa Boniface Osakwe, Pa Ignatius Olisa, and Madam Margaret Okeke, expressed deep gratitude and enthusiasm. Many indicated their plans to use the funds to restore their farming businesses, which were significantly affected by the flood disaster.