By Rural Health Mission Nigeria | June 3, 2025
On the heels of severe seasonal flooding, Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State is facing an escalating humanitarian emergency. The disaster has resulted in the confirmed deaths of at least 170 individuals, with over 450 people injured and more than 400 homes destroyed. Over 500 families have been displaced, currently residing in overcrowded and under-resourced internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
In response, Rural Health Mission Nigeria (RHEMN) deployed an emergency team to conduct a rapid needs assessment across the affected communities and camps. The findings reflect a multifaceted crisis requiring immediate and coordinated multi-sectoral intervention.
Key Findings from Field Assessment
1. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
- There is no access to safe drinking water in the camps.
- The absence of sanitation facilities has led to widespread open defecation, increasing the risk of cholera, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases.
- Hygiene conditions are extremely poor, especially among children and women.
2. Health Services
- Medical services are critically overstretched or altogether unavailable.
- There is an urgent need for mobile clinics, essential medications, and disease surveillance systems.
- Vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children, elderly persons, and those with disabilities face heightened health risks.
3. Shelter and Protection
- Temporary shelters are overcrowded and poorly ventilated, with many families exposed to harsh weather conditions.
- The lack of privacy and security poses protection risks, particularly for women and girls.
4. Food Security and Nutrition
- Food supplies are limited and inadequate to meet the daily nutritional needs of displaced families.
- Malnutrition is emerging as a serious concern, especially among young children and pregnant women.
5. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
- Many survivors are experiencing psychological trauma, yet there are no structured psychosocial support services currently available in the camps.
Priority Humanitarian Needs
The following areas require immediate attention and support:
- WASH: Provision of potable water, emergency latrines, and hygiene kits.
- Health: Deployment of mobile medical teams, disease outbreak control, and distribution of essential drugs.
- Shelter: Supply of tents, tarpaulins, and other non-food items.
- Food and Nutrition: Emergency food distribution and targeted nutrition interventions.
- Mental Health: Integration of psychosocial support services into camp management and health outreach programs.