… As over 1m people affected by flood
BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, has expressed commitment to working with state governments, relevant agencies and development partners to mitigate the impact of flooding and provide succur to affected communities.
The Minister gave the assurance in a statement issued on Wednesday, following the unfortunate overflow of Alau Dam in Borno State that affected several communities, causing displacement and loss of properties.
“We are working closely with the Borno State Government and relevant agencies to provide support and bring succor to affected communities. We urge all relevant stakeholders responsible for recovery efforts to join us in this endeavour. Additionally, we advise those who may be affected to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
“The recent flood disaster that has devastated our country serves as a stark reminder of the need for immediate collective action to address the effects of climate change, which has led to heavier-than-normal rainfall and further environmental degradation. As the Minister of Environment, I am committed to keeping you informed so as to enable us mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
“The 2024 flood season has been particularly severe, with many states across the country experiencing unprecedented levels of flooding. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that over 1 million people have been affected, with thousands displaced and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed. The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding before our eyes,” he said.
In anticipation of the 2024 flooding season, Lawal hinted that the Ministry took proactive measures to mitigate its impact which include sending out letters to all state governments as well as FCT Administration on March 27, 2024, urging them to conduct flood awareness campaigns.
These campaigns, he said aimed at ensuring the clearing of drainage and manhole systems, relocation of vulnerable populations from floodplains, and activation of emergency preparedness measures by NEMA, SEMA, and other relevant agencies.
He emphasized further that on September 4, the Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Systems Center, issued a flood alert identifying 21 states as high-risk zones for flooding between September 4-8, 2024.
“In response to this alert, the Ministry promptly notified the affected states and stakeholders, urging them to take necessary precautions. Additionally, residents living in floodplains along the River Niger and River Benue were advised to evacuate immediately due to the imminent risk of flooding caused by rising river levels,” the Minister added.
To intensify precautions for future flood threat due to forecast trends, the Minister issued out public action, urging states, local governments, stakeholders, and all citizens to relocate vulnerable populations from floodplains, avoid traveling to flood-prone areas, follow evacuation orders, desilt drainage systems, motorists and pedestrians are cautioned to avoid crossing heavy run-off flow as well as cut-off highway, stay informed through official channels and adhere to flood forecasts/alerts and all incidences of flooding should be adequately reported.
The Minister empathized with the families of the fatalities recorded, and assured of federal government’s dedication to reduce the effects of flooding and ensure a safer Nigeria.