In the wake of the devastating flood that struck Borno State, key officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment, led by Minister, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, paid a condolence and sympathy visit to Borno on Friday, September 13, 2024.
The visit aimed to assess the impact of the disaster and initiate a coordinated response to mitigate the adverse environmental effects caused by the flood.
The flood, which caused significant destruction in several communities, has raised concerns over public health, water safety, and long-term environmental risks in the state.
During the visit, the Minister of Environment expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the destruction of properties caused by the flood.
“As we mourn this tragic event, it is imperative that we focus on the urgent need for a coordinated and comprehensive response to mitigate the resultant environmental challenges posed by the flood,” the Minister said.
He further assured Governor Babagana Zulum of the Federal Government’s support, announcing that a team of experts from various departments and agencies would be deployed to collaborate with the Borno State Government to address the impacts of the flood.
The Ministry has deployed a specialized team comprising experts from key departments, including the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health (PCE&H), the Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, and the Forestry Department.
Additionally, experts from the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) Project, the Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project (NCAEWP-EIB), the National Park Services, and the Environmental Health Council (EHCON) will work together to mitigate the effects of the flood.
Key responsibilities of the deployed team include continuous water sampling and testing to ensure water quality, identifying sources of hazardous chemicals, and implementing measures to prevent waterborne diseases.
The team will also collaborate with local agencies to monitor contamination and maintain public health and safety, particularly in vulnerable areas where water sources have been compromised.
As part of the immediate response, the Ministry has already sent 100 drums of chlorine to Borno State.
The chlorine will be used to disinfect water sources, ensuring access to clean drinking water and preventing outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
Additionally, the Ministry is deploying 30,000 flyers to educate the public on best sanitation and hygiene practices, including proper waste disposal and frequent handwashing, to reduce the spread of infections during this critical period.
Beyond the immediate response, the Federal Ministry of Environment said it is committed to working with the Borno State Government on long-term flood mitigation strategies.
These include developing early warning systems to predict and manage future floods, as well as enhancing the state’s disaster management and climate adaptation capacities through partnerships with international organizations.
The Minister also praised Governor Babagana Zulum for his proactive leadership and swift mobilization of resources in response to the disaster.
“His Excellency’s swift response in mobilizing resources and ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected communities is truly commendable.
“I am confident that under His Excellency’s capable leadership, Borno State will emerge stronger from this tragedy, and the resilience of its people will once again shine through,” the Minister stated.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Environment, reiterated its commitment to strengthening resilience against future environmental challenges, pledging continued support to the people of Borno State during this difficult time.
The Ministry also emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration with the state government and international partners to develop sustainable solutions for disaster risk management.
