Blog

PREAMBLE

Following the Ocean Surge in Ayetoro which occurred on the 16^th and 17^th of April, 2023, the NDDC in collaboration with RAHI mobilized a Disaster Response Team for emergency intervention.   RAHI was on ground from 25^th to 30^th April, 2023 to carry out the emergency response which includes Needs Assessment, distribution of relief materials and food items and some quick medical intervention.

PROJECT

In order to mitigate the sufferings of the impacted communities to ensure immediate safety and wellbeing of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ayetoro community and environs (Idiogba, Alagbon, Oroto, Asumaga, Ebijimi, etc), Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The project was conducted in phases.

Ayetoro community in the last 12 years have continued to experience devastating ocean surge and water implosion displacing the habitats of the community, rendering them homeless and impoverishing by also affecting their source of occupation and livelihood.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Following the recent impact of the recurrent ocean surge on the serene Ayetoro community where properties worth millions of naira and livelihood was threatened, RAHI Medical Outreach in line with her Contractual Agreement with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as a first responder dispatched her disaster assessment team to visit the community. The Director of Disaster and Emergency Management, Mr. Michael Ozegbe led the team. The team also had a Specialist Public Health Physician and a Family Health Physician and Psychiatric Nurse in addition to other social workers.

The essence of the assessment includes:

1. To have an on the spot assessment of the extent of damage caused by the continuous ocean surge.
2. To find out the immediate health needs of the displaced members of the community.
3. To get an insight into the immediate material/emergency supports needed by members of the community.
4. To get a first-hand information on the demography of households affected by the unfortunate ocean surge.

OUTCOME OF NEEDS ASSESSMENT

1. Our team found out that over 750 (Seven Hundred and Fifty) households have been displaced.
2. The ocean surge have occurred overtime.
3. Crops and livelihood were completely destroyed.
4. Animals dead with putrid odour.
5. Septic tanks and public toilets broken down.
6. Children were either sick or icteric with anaemia or out rightly starving.
7. Pregnant women had no access to water, food or healthcare.
8. Household items such as clothing, mattresses, cooking pots and fireplace completely destroyed.
9. Prevalence of enteric fever and malaria.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

In accordance with our laid down emergency project methodology, our team had series of community engagements with community gate keepers; Traditional Ruler of the community, Youths and Women Leaders and Political Leaders.

Also, our team was able to identify “community assets” that will be useful in driving the project in line with current global best practise. Our focus at this stage is on “what is strong” instead of “what is wrong” in the affected community.

To ensure local ownership, 80% of the volunteers were selected from Ayetoro community.

Some of the identified community assets are:

1. Community youth volunteers for off-loading of relief items from the boat to warehouse, crowd control, security and coordination.
2. Traditional rulers and chiefs. They assisted our team in community sensitization and mobilization.
3. Community based health workers. They worked alongside our medical team in the outpatient clinic.

 FLAG OFF

The Palliatives for the ocean surge ravaged people of Ayetoro community commenced on the 26^th of April, 2023 with flag-off at Igbokoda town, Ilaje Local Government Area headquarters by the Executive Director of Projects, Mr. Charles Ogunmola of NDDC.  In attendance were the NDDC Ondo State Director and his Assistant, Mr. Salami Olaniyi Okoje, Deputy Chairman of the LGA, Ayetoro Council of Chiefs, Representatives of the Youths body, etc.  Thereafter, the Medical Team and Volunteers relocated to Ayetoro community for the distribution of palliatives and the Free Medical Outreach.

Distribution of Palliatives

Distribution of groceries including beverages and other support materials took place from 26^th to 27^th of April, 2023.  The Oba of Ayetoro was represented by the Bobagunwa of Ayetoro (Rev. Apostle Jeseni Ajijo) commended the comprehensive and high quality of items distributed and provided spiritual counselling for the affected members of the community while RAHI psychology team was on ground to appraise psychological support.

The Traditional Ruler of Ayetoro community, Oba Micah Olaseni Ajeijo, supervised distribution of the palliatives.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PALLIATIVES DISTRIBUTION.

1. Provide free dry rations of groceries like rice, beans, garri, etc to members of the communities. See attached supply list.
2. Provide household items to members of the communities.
3. Counselling to members.

 SUMMARY OF DATA FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF ITEMS.

The distribution was done in conjunction with the Traditional Ruler who supervised Chiefs to assist to distribute in line with their community’s sharing formula.  RAHI took note that distribution of items were done in the order below.

1. Elderly
2. Widows
3. Households with pregnant women and children
4. Smaller Communities
5. Group of individuals displaced but living together.

CHALLENGES

Items distributed such as food, water, blankets were insufficient.  There were no ITTNs for distribution to pregnant women, aged women and children for the purpose of this emergency relief services.  Also due to fact that other neighbouring communities including Igbokoda residents were beneficiaries of the NDDC good gesture, it was difficult to meet demand.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. A further follow up of the intervention with more relief items and free medical services over a period of time is advised.
2. Continuous Public Health and Environmental Health Campaign recommended.
3. Shoreline protection is also advised.

 CONCLUSION

It is our hope that the recommendations be given utmost consideration.

The community was happy and grateful to the Commission and RAHI largely due to the switch dispatch with which NDDC responded and pleaded the Commission comes back to support the community soonest.

EMERGENCY RELIEF PHOTO GALLERY