Public Alert; Fed Govt raises flood alarm, tells twelve States what to do to avoid of disaster

Public Alert; Fed Govt raises flood alarm, tells twelve States what to do to avoid of disaster

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to clear canals, drainages, and gutters to help prevent flooding.

In a Sunday report, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) indicated that water levels along key River Benue stations are steadily rising, approaching flood thresholds.

According to a statement signed by the agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Lauretta Samuel, water levels continue to rise but remain at the flood preparedness stage as of Saturday.

Samuel called on the twelve flood-prone states, previously warned by NIHSA, to implement measures to manage the situation or facilitate water conveyance.

Recent flooding from the overflow of the Alau Dam has caused significant devastation in Maiduguri, Borno State, marking the worst flood event in Nigeria’s history.

The floods in Maiduguri and Jere have displaced over 600,000 people, submerging hospitals and sparking a health crisis in Borno State.

Compounding the problem are contaminated water supplies, poor sanitation, and overcrowded conditions, all of which have heightened the risk of disease outbreaks in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

In a press release issued on Sunday by Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD) in Maiduguri, Communication Officer Jibrin Kolo warned that the camps are at high risk for cholera, typhoid, and dysentery due to unsafe water and overcrowding.

Kolo’s statement says: “CASFOD and Pam Care community initiative are providing urgent relief, including clean drinking water, health services, and hygiene items to displaced families in IDP camps.

“With more resources, we aim to address immediate health and sanitation needs and help flood-affected families regain stability.”

The statement revealed that the floods have ravaged the city, displacing thousands and claiming at least 30 lives. The disaster has also crippled the livestock and agriculture sectors, leaving farmers without food or income.

CASFOD, in collaboration with partners like the World Food Programme, is providing hot meals and clean drinking water to those affected.

The statement further says: “Over 70 percent of vulnerable families benefiting from their livestock livelihood programme have lost livestock, exacerbating the crisis.

“CASFOD and Pam Care, urge additional support from the government and international donors to expand relief efforts and rebuild livelihoods. As the situation worsens, they stress that more needs to be done. Local residents rely on humanitarian efforts for survival.

“Collective efforts are essential to prevent further suffering and ensure a swift recovery for Borno State’s most vulnerable populations.”