Between July and October 2024, Nigeria experienced widespread flooding that severely impacted water systems. Stagnant floodwaters contaminated wells, boreholes, rivers, and groundwater with sewage and surface runoff, reducing access to safe drinking water. Public health risks escalated, with sharp increases in waterborne diseases such as cholera, acute diarrhea, and typhoid. In Borno State alone, 7,485 cholera cases and 319 deaths were reported by mid-October.
At the Nigerian Red Cross’ request, the IFRC deployed an Advance WASH ERU Team Leader to assess needs and recommend appropriate support. Assessments revealed serious disruptions to clean water access and highlighted the need for borehole rehabilitation. As a result, a WASH Water Supply Rehabilitation (WSR) Emergency Response Unit (ERU) was deployed.
This case study focuses specifically on the sustainability aspects of the WSR ERU approach.
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