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The Borno State government will receive assistance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to alleviate the aftermath of the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri. The disaster impacted numerous communities and resulted in the deaths of over 30 individuals.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, the WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, expressed concern about the effects of the flood during an assessment tour of the situation in Maiduguri on Friday. He mentioned that the flood had cut off approximately 14 health facilities and impacted some laboratories.
Mulombo said the communities need help, adding that WHO will help the state government to manage the unprecedented crisis.
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He said: “The sudden flooding has displaced many communities from their homes. We were shocked about what happened. We came to see first hand and find out what the needs are to support the state and the Federal Government to address the sudden challenge. Climate change is real, we are seeing the devastation.”
Mulombo praised the state government for demonstrating leadership and the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, for quickly addressing the situation. He mentioned that based on his observations, there is a well-coordinated response.
The Commissioner for Health, Gana, who conducted Mulombo round the city, noted that the flood has never happened at this scale in Borno State.
Explaining the incident, the commissioner said that the flood came from the Alau Dam, which provides water to Borno State.
He said that about 70 per cent of Maiduguri has been submerged under water.
He mentioned that numerous healthcare facilities and personnel have been isolated due to the flood and stated that the state is working with partners to deal with the issue.
The commissioner said the immediate need is to provide shelter and food for displaced people, provide health care services and later find out why the dam broke down.
He also commended the UN system for coordinating the response, adding that the state is working with all the partners to save lives and provide vaccinations where necessary.
