Nigeria’s government has urged its citizens to clean waterways, drainage channels, and gutters promptly to prevent worsening flood conditions across the country. This request follows a recent statement from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) revealing that water levels in the River Benue are progressively increasing, nearing critical flood levels. The authorities’ alert arrives amidst significant flood devastation in various areas of the nation, especially in Maiduguri within Borno State, further increasing the ongoing crisis in that region. As Lauretta Samuel, Head of Media and Publicity, stated, the increase persists, particularly regarding flood readiness.
He urged the twelve states identified as flood-sensitive by NIHSA to take actions to help manage and facilitate water flow. Borno State has suffered due to the recent overflow from the Alau Dam, causing what is considered one of the most severe flooding events in the region’s history. This disaster has forced over 600,000 individuals from Maiduguri and the surrounding Jere area to evacuate, inundating residences, medical facilities, and crucial infrastructure. The disaster has led to an escalating humanitarian emergency, with those forced to leave their homes residing in overcrowded camps, where the chances of disease outbreaks are rising.
Immediate action is required to improve sanitation conditions in IDP camps.
Rising floodwaters have polluted drinking water supplies and strained local Waste Management systems, raising the risk of cholera, typhoid, and other water-related illnesses in camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). This emergency highlights the urgent need for better Sanitation and access to safe drinking water in these overcrowded facilities, where residents endure challenging living conditions. Organisations dedicated to humanitarian efforts, including the Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD) and Pam Care, offer crucial emergency assistance. Jibrin Kolo, CASFOD’s Communication Officer, disclosed this predicament in an official statement.
They distribute vital resources, such as potable water, medical services, and sanitation products, to families impacted by flooding. However, more resources are essential, as the flood has left many farmers without livelihoods, further straining the community’s capacity to recover. Livestock and crops have been devastated, leaving families desperate for food and financial support. CASFOD collaborates with partners like the World Food Programme to offer hot meals and other vital services. The flooding has impacted communities and harmed vital transport links, particularly the Maiduguri-Mafa-Dikwa-Gamboru highway, a key Trade route connecting Nigeria with neighbouring nations such as Cameroon and Chad.
Various humanitarian groups are providing healthcare support in the state.
This destruction of essential roads has made it even harder to assist affected communities, intensifying the difficulties created by the flooding. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), under the leadership of Dr. Issaley Kader, the organisation’s Head of Mission in Nigeria, has been actively involved in offering healthcare assistance in Borno State. The group has voiced serious alarm regarding the health risks posed by the recent flooding. Before this disaster, there had already been an increase in cases of Malaria and acute watery diarrhea among children. As flooding increases health challenges, MSF aims to enhance its medical efforts. Strategies have been developed to boost pediatric care capacity and establish more Cholera treatment facilities to manage the anticipated rise in cases.
Teams from MSF have initiated evaluations and are extending crucial support to uprooted communities. Their efforts encompass supplying safe drinking water, fixing sanitation facilities, and handing out mosquito nets to reduce malaria transmission. Additionally, the organisation provides Mental Health assistance to support locals in dealing with the psychological impact of the trauma. In line with its comprehensive approach, MSF is poised to enhance its activities and can, if necessary, provide up to 100 beds in its centres for pediatric care and cholera treatment.
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In response to the ongoing crisis, local governments, led by Borno State’s Governor Babagana Zulum, are implementing measures to tackle the situation. Major affected regions, such as hospitals and residential areas, are undergoing fumigation to minimise disease outbreak risks. Those returning to their homes after displacement are carefully observed to ensure they can access clean and secure living conditions. As the state government focuses on shutting down and merging displacement sites, it is essential to maintain efforts to support the still displaced communities. A large-scale cholera vaccination initiative is organised to protect people from additional health threats. The humanitarian sector underscores the importance of ongoing and enhanced support to meet the complex and increasing demands of those impacted by the floods.