The flood in Maiduguri and THE residents (Image: AFP)
EDEN: In 30 years, this is the worst flooding Borno State has experienced and it could have been avoided
By Valentine Amanze
Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has blamed the Borno State and federal governments for the loss of lives and destruction of properties worth billions of naira by flood from Alau Dam in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Tuesday September 10, 2024.
EDEN said that the failure of the emergency agencies of the governments to respond to early alert led to the severe flooding.
The Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Williams, made the disclosure, while reacting to the effect of the massive flood on Borno people on Wednesday September 11, 2024.
Williams also decried the inability of management of the dam to proactively detect the rising water levels, which led to the collapse of the bridge.
Williams pointed out that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had issued prior warnings that were ignored by both the federal and state government, which led to the loss of livelihood in Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, Bulabulin, and other affected communities.
Also read: Maiduguri dam collapse represents failure in governance – RDI
“In 30 years, this is the worst flooding Borno State has experienced and it could have been avoided. Homes have been destroyed. People have been displaced. Schools have been shut down.
“This shows a huge gap in our emergency management system in Nigeria”, he said.
Williams added that such disaster could have been avoided if the federal and state emergency management agencies were functional and proactive in carrying out their duties and serving the people.
Williams also admonished other states to be watchful, and avoid similar disaster.
He called on the federal and state governments to provide temporary accommodation for the affected communities, and to send food and other relief materials to cushion the effects of the flood.
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