The Federal Ministry of Environment has dispatched a team of experts to Borno State following last week’s devastating flood that affected over two million people and claimed more than 30 lives. The flood, caused by an overflow from the Alau Dam due to a massive inflow from the Ngadda River, has raised concerns over potential environmental and health hazards.
In response, the government is focusing on mitigating the effects of the flood, with particular attention to water quality and hazardous chemicals. The experts, drawn from various departments including Pollution Control, Environmental Health, and the Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project, will conduct continuous water sampling and testing. Their aim is to identify hazardous chemicals and implement measures to prevent waterborne diseases like cholera.
Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal, who visited Borno State last Friday, emphasized the need for a coordinated response. He announced the deployment of 100 drums of chlorine to disinfect water sources and the distribution of 30,000 flyers to educate the public on sanitation and hygiene. In addition to immediate relief, the ministry will collaborate with the state government to develop long-term flood mitigation strategies and early warning systems.
Lawal praised Governor Babagana Zulum for his quick response in addressing the crisis and expressed confidence that the state would recover from the disaster with strengthened resilience.
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