Supporting Survivors: Psycho-Social Support for Flood Victims

The recent floods in Kaduna State, Nigeria, displaced many families.

Dealing with the immediate needs of food and shelter is crucial. However, the emotional and psychological toll of a disaster also demands attention.

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), supported by ActAlliance, is actively responding to these less visible needs. They offer vital flood victim support and awareness programs.

Building Capacity for Flood Victim Support

CCN and ActAlliance organized a four-day training session. Two hundred households received Psycho-Social Support (PSS) and Capacity-Strengthening Training.

These families came from Zaria and Kaduna North LGAs.

In total, 320 households were identified as affected by the devastating floods.

The training formed a key part of the ongoing humanitarian response in Kaduna State.

Why Psycho-Social Support (PSS) Matters

A natural disaster causes deep emotional and psychological trauma.

Often, flood victims believe their emotional distress is secondary. They focus on immediate survival needs instead. They often ignore feelings of fear, anxiety, grief, and trauma.

Awareness campaigns validate these normal reactions. They show victims that their feelings are valid responses to an abnormal event.

Furthermore, this normalization becomes a crucial first step in the healing process.

This specific project component focused on PSS awareness. It offered profound benefits to participants.

In addition, it acknowledged the less visible emotional challenges following the disaster. We must never forget the emotional health of survivors.

Integrating PSS and Climate Resilience

This recent training successfully integrated two critical areas.

First, it provided immediate psychosocial support.

Secondly, it addressed long-term adaptation challenges.

Integrating PSS with climate resilience training offers comprehensive help.

This combined approach ensures survivors feel supported now and prepared for the future.

We sincerely thank ActAlliance for their generous support.

Their help made this important training possible.

Moving forward, the goal is to empower these communities.

We want them to cope with trauma and improve their long-term resilience.

Providing effective flood victim support is a continuing effort.

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Mathew Agbo

Media & Communication Officer.

CCNICS Jos

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