Rotary District 9141 Gov Calls For Emergency Action Amid Devastating Floods In Borno State

The Rotary District 9141 has expressed deep concern and sympathy for the people of Maiduguri, Borno State, following the devastating floods that have claimed at least 30 lives and displaced over 1 million residents.

District Governor RTN. Chinedu Ikegwuani stated this in a statement on Monday, saying, “The impact of this disaster is grave, with severe consequences for public health, food security, property, economic stability, and the loss of precious lives.”

He said that the disaster, caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam, has resulted in severe destruction of property and infrastructure, valued at over ₦100 billion.

Ikegwuani noted that as the tragedy continues to unfold, there is need to reflect on its grave consequences and impact on public health, food security, property, economic stability, and the loss of precious lives.

He highlighted the impact of the flooding on women’s health, particularly in internally displacement camps, which are disproportionately affected by this disaster.

“Access to reproductive and maternal health services has been severely disrupted. There are growing fears of outbreaks of cholera and malaria due to poor sanitation and stagnant floodwaters, which place pregnant women and children at higher risk”, he lamented.

He called for emergency measures to address the catastrophic floods in Maiduguri, Borno State, which have resulted in significant loss of life and property.

“Immediate provision of healthcare services, sanitation facilities, and hygiene kits is urgently needed to safeguard women’s health and wellbeing, said District Governor RTN. Ikegwuani.

“We urge the government to prioritize rebuilding the local economy and addressing environmental challenges.”

Furthermore, he disclosed that the floods have destroyed hectares of farmland, compounding the region’s food security challenges, maintaining that with the majority of local farms submerged, food prices are expected to soar, potentially leading to hunger and malnutrition.

He therefore urged the government and international agencies to step in to provide emergency food supplies to avert the looming humanitarian crisis.

On property and economic losses, he said that the financial loss from this disaster is staggering, with property damage estimated at over ₦150 billion, stressing, “homes, schools, businesses, and markets have been devastated, plunging thousands of families into poverty.

“The destruction of major infrastructure—including roads and hospitals—has crippled the local economy, while business activities remain halted”, the Rotary District 9141 governor said.

Calling on both states and federal governments to prioritize rebuilding the local economy and the environmental challenges, he called on the Governors of Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states to take emergency and drastic actions against the potential threat of flooding in their respective states.

According to him, reports indicate that the floodwaters may be heading southwards, and it is critical that measures for community preparedness are put in place.

“These states must open up flood channels, and activate emergency response teams to protect lives, property, and farmlands from the impending flood disaster.

He offered deepest condolences to the affected families, and urged the government to continue its rescue operations and provide immediate relief to those who have been displaced.

“The Rotary District 9141 stands in solidarity with the people of Borno State and all those affected by this catastrophe. We will continue to advocate for comprehensive relief and recovery efforts, and we urge all relevant authorities and duty bearers to act swiftly to mitigate further damage across Nigeria”, he added.