The Federal Ministry of Environment has dispatched a team of specialists to Borno State to assess and mitigate the environmental hazards caused by the recent devastating flooding.
The experts will conduct continuous water sampling, identify hazardous chemicals, and implement measures to prevent waterborne diseases, according to a press statement released by the ministry on Wednesday.
The flood, which occurred last week, claimed over 30 lives and affected more than two million people across the state. The disaster was triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam, located approximately 10 kilometers from Maiduguri, due to a massive influx from the Ngadda River, a tributary of the River Yedzaram, according to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal, who led a condolence visit to Borno State last Friday, emphasized the need for an urgent, coordinated response to tackle the environmental challenges posed by the flooding.
“During the condolence visit, I informed the Governor that the Federal Ministry of Environment will send a team of experts from relevant departments, agencies, and projects to collaborate with the Borno State Government in addressing the impacts of the flood,” Lawal said in the statement.
The ministry has deployed experts from various departments, including Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, Forestry, and several climate adaptation projects. The team will continuously monitor water sources to ensure the safety of drinking water and identify any contamination, particularly from hazardous chemicals.
In a proactive step, the ministry has already sent 100 drums of chlorine to Borno State to disinfect water sources, preventing the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera. Additionally, 30,000 flyers will be distributed to educate the public on sanitation and hygiene practices, including proper waste disposal and frequent handwashing, to curb infections.
Looking beyond immediate relief, the Ministry of Environment plans to work closely with the Borno State Government to develop long-term flood mitigation strategies and early warning systems. They will also seek international collaboration to enhance the state’s disaster risk management and climate adaptation capacity.
Minister Lawal praised Governor Babagana Zulum for his swift action in mobilizing resources to protect affected communities and expressed confidence in the state’s resilience.
“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,” Lawal added.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to strengthening the state’s defenses against future environmental disasters.
