Lives on the Edge: Red Cross Sounds Alarm Over Growing Threats to Humanitarian Operations in Anambra

The Nigerian Red Cross Society has issued a heartfelt plea for collaborative intervention, spotlighting the twin crises of insecurity and perennial flooding as major impediments to its humanitarian outreach in Anambra State.

Speaking during a commemorative event for this year’s World Red Cross Day, the Executive Branch Secretary of the society in Anambra, Mr. Kingsley Okoye, laid bare the daunting reality faced by volunteers and staff striving to bring relief to the most vulnerable. Okoye explained that persistent threats to safety in certain communities are increasingly limiting access to areas in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

“Because of insecurity, some people cannot benefit optimally from our services,” Okoye said. “The yearly flood in eight local government areas stretches our resources significantly. These dual challenges are not only persistent but growing in intensity.”

Beyond insecurity, recurrent flooding continues to test the organization’s capacity. Communities in Ogbaru, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum, and Awka North are among the hardest hit. The devastation wrought by rising waters not only displaces families but also disrupts access to basic amenities and healthcare, deepening existing vulnerabilities.

Despite the hurdles, the Red Cross in Anambra recorded a series of impactful interventions over the past year. With financial backing from donor agencies, including the European Union Civil Humanitarian Body, the organization launched focused relief campaigns in the flood-ravaged communities of Awka North and Ogbaru. These efforts touched over 1,000 households, bringing much-needed support to families grappling with displacement and loss.

Infrastructure projects were also prioritized. Four boreholes were installed across Ogbaru, Anambra East, Anambra West, and Awka North, providing sustainable access to clean water for communities frequently cut off from government utilities during disasters. Additionally, 1,000 women received relief packages tailored to their specific needs, including essential hygiene items.

To further mitigate the economic hardship experienced by disaster victims, the Red Cross disbursed cash grants of ₦30,000 monthly to select vulnerable individuals over a three-month period. This financial aid aimed to empower recipients with the autonomy to meet urgent needs, from food and clothing to transportation and basic healthcare.

Humanitarian kits were delivered to 1,500 households in Ayamelum, Anambra West, and Ogbaru, ensuring basic survival supplies reached the most isolated corners of the state. The health sector was not left out; surgical tools and essential medical equipment were distributed to 11 primary health centers, bolstering local capacity to manage emergencies and routine healthcare amid crisis.

Addressing attendees during the ceremony, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Professor Charity Emelie, reiterated the organization’s commitment to its humanitarian mission. She emphasized that the society remains grounded in its core principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

“Our duty is to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable people affected by disasters, epidemics, armed conflicts, and extreme poverty—whether in bustling urban centers or remote rural communities,” Emelie asserted. “These values define who we are and guide every decision we make.”

Both Emelie and Okoye underscored the urgency of multi-stakeholder support, stressing that the magnitude of the crises in Anambra exceeds the capacity of any one organization. They appealed to local authorities, non-governmental organizations, and private individuals to step forward and partner with the Red Cross in safeguarding lives and restoring hope to the underserved.

As the region braces for yet another flood season and ongoing security concerns, the Nigerian Red Cross remains on the frontline—undeterred in its resolve, but clear in its message: to truly reach every vulnerable person, it cannot stand alone.