Maiduguri, Borno State — In response to the devastating flooding that struck Borno State last week, the Federal Ministry of Environment has dispatched a team of experts to mitigate the crisis and address its environmental impacts. The floods, which have affected over two million people and resulted in more than 30 fatalities, were primarily caused by the overflow of water from the Alau Dam, exacerbated by heavy inflows from the Ngadda River.

Expert Team Deployed for Immediate Action

The Federal Ministry of Environment has mobilized specialists from various departments, including the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, the Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-arid Landscape Programme Project. These experts are tasked with conducting continuous water sampling and testing, identifying sources of hazardous chemicals, and implementing measures to prevent waterborne diseases.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, emphasized the urgency of a coordinated response to address the flood’s environmental challenges. During a condolence visit to Borno State last Friday, Lawal assured Governor Babagana Zulum of the Ministry’s commitment to providing comprehensive support.

Immediate Measures and Public Health Efforts

In an effort to ensure safe drinking water and prevent the spread of diseases, the Ministry has already deployed 100 drums of 40kg chlorine for water disinfection. Additionally, 30,000 informational flyers will be distributed to educate the public on sanitation and hygiene practices, including proper waste disposal and frequent handwashing.

Lawal also highlighted the Ministry’s plans to work with the Borno State Government on developing long-term flood mitigation strategies and early warning systems. This includes exploring collaborations with international partners to enhance the State’s disaster risk management and climate adaptation capabilities.

Government’s Commitment and Future Outlook

The Minister commended Governor Zulum for his prompt action in mobilizing resources and supporting the affected communities. “Under His Excellency’s leadership, I am confident that Borno State will recover and emerge stronger from this tragedy,” Lawal stated.

The Federal Ministry of Environment remains dedicated to bolstering resilience against future environmental challenges and ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Borno State.

Contact Information

For more details on the ongoing efforts and to report environmental concerns, residents can contact the Federal Ministry of Environment or local government officials.