In response to the recent floods in Borno State, the Federal Ministry of Environment has mobilised a specialised team to manage the disaster’s effects. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Minister of Environment, emphasised the importance of immediate and coordinated efforts during his condolence visit to the state on September 13, 2024. The recent flooding has affected multiple towns within the state, necessitating a thorough strategy to tackle the environmental issues. Lawal recognised the disaster but emphasised the importance of alleviating its consequences.
He assured residents that the Federal Ministry of Environment is poised to partner with the state government, offering resources and knowledge to help navigate the situation. During his visit, the Minister expressed concern for the impacted communities and reiterated the ministry’s dedication to supporting Borno during this challenging time. He also emphasised the immediate need to address the environmental risks of the surge, including Water Pollution and the risk of waterborne illness outbreaks. The ministry has assembled a group of specialists from different sectors, organisations, and initiatives to ensure a well-organised and efficient reaction.
Multiple agencies are part of the representatives from the ministry.
Among these are representatives from the Department of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, which is focused on Erosion, Flooding, and Coastal Zone Management, and the Forestry Department. Additionally, groups from the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Initiative (ACReSAL), the Nigeria Climate Adaptation and Erosion Control Project, the National Park Service, and the Environmental Health Commission are participating in these efforts. The primary objective of the team in the field is to perform regular water sampling and analysis to assess the quality of water supplies in regions impacted by flooding.
This approach will assist in detecting any pollutants or dangerous substances in the water, enabling prompt action to mitigate the risk of waterborne illnesses. Ensuring everyone has access to clean drinking water is important, prompting the ministry to send 100 drums containing 40kg of chlorine each to sanitise water supplies. This preventive action is vital in stopping the spread of cholera. The group will additionally focus on informing the community about important hygiene habits. The department intends to circulate 30,000 flyers across the impacted areas to promote knowledge about correct sanitation, waste management, regular handwashing, and individual cleanliness.
Minister Lawal also emphasised the need for sustainable solutions.
These initiatives are designed to lower the likelihood of illnesses and support communities in preserving their health during this challenging period. While the immediate focus is on tackling the ongoing emergency, Minister Lawal also emphasised the need for sustainable solutions. The Federal Ministry of Environment, working alongside the Borno State Government, is developing extensive surge prevention plans to prevent future incidents. These plans feature the implementation of early warning systems designed to improve the state’s readiness for comparable disasters ahead.
Moreover, the ministry plans to seek collaborations with global organisations to improve Borno’s ability to manage disaster risks and adapt to climate change. This effort will focus on upgrading local facilities and educating staff on disaster response, thereby increasing the state’s resilience to ecological issues. The minister further praised Governor Babagana Zulum for his decisive and effective management during the flood crisis. He noted Zulum’s rapid action in gathering resources and his commitment to protecting the Welfare of the impacted communities, which played a crucial role in addressing the emergency.
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Lastly, the minister voiced his belief that with Governor Zulum’s leadership, Borno State will overcome this disaster and become more robust and resilient. However, with ongoing support from the federal government, the state remains dedicated to building long-term resilience to environmental issues across the country. This partnership between the federal and state governments seeks to mitigate the effects of future flooding and protect community safety. The recent surges in the state highlight the increasing dangers of Climate Change and the necessity for timely interventions.