FG vows to tackle disasters, pledges welfare for flood victims

The Federal Government on Tuesday assured of the administration’s commitment to tackle the menace of recurring disasters, particularly the challenges of flooding in the country.

The Vice President who gave the assurance in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, noted that though the factors leading to the ravaging flood and other disasters in the country are diverse, the government has already developed a comprehensive roadmap aimed at addressing the challenges head-on.

Vice President Shettima spoke in Maiduguri where he went for an on-the-spot assessment of the ravaging floods that have displaced communities in the state.

This came as President Bola Tinubu earlier ordered immediate evacuation of the people in the areas affected by the flood which wrecked havoc, displaced thousands of residents and facilities such as the Post office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in the capital of Borno state.

Commiserating with victims of the flood disaster, Shettima disclosed that President Tinubu did not only express his “deepest sympathies but has also assured that the federal government will prioritize the welfare of the affected communities.

“Our grief is shared, but so is our resolve to offer support and comfort as you begin to recover from this disaster. Now, more than ever, we are compelled as a nation to come together to overcome the losses suffered, and we are committed to finding lasting solutions to this recurring issue.

“The flood, which began over the weekend and worsened in the following days, was the direct result of excess water from the Alau Dam. The collapse of the spillways unleashed a significant surge of water downstream, causing widespread flooding in the surrounding communities.

“As we speak, efforts are ongoing to evacuate and resettle residents in the affected areas, while ensuring the provision of food, shelter, and medical assistance until the situation stabilizes.

“In response to our 2024 Flood Outlook, we had implemented comprehensive contingency plans and adopted proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts. Despite these preparations, the severity of this flood has far exceeded our estimates, marking the most catastrophic flood in Maiduguri in over three decades.

“The flood’s unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond our previous experiences. Nonetheless, the Federal Government remains determined in its commitment.

“As with other states facing similar crises, we will continue with the plans previously initiated in collaboration with the Borno State government. We are resolute in mobilizing all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected persons and areas.

“This disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, not just globally, but particularly to regions like ours. Nigeria’s vulnerability to flood disasters has been highlighted time and again, as witnessed during the devastating floods of 2012, 2018, and 2022. The factors contributing to these recurring disasters are diverse, and it is for this reason that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges head-on.

“In light of data gathered by our emergency response agencies and early warning centers, the government has intensified its interventions in flood-prone areas. These areas, characterized by erratic rainfall patterns and complex river basin dynamics, have been prioritized in our flood mitigation strategies to safeguard communities, protect agricultural zones, and reinforce critical infrastructure.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the government of Borno State for its swift and effective response to this tragic situation.

“I also want to acknowledge the remarkable resilience of the good people of Maiduguri and surrounding areas, who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion by being their neighbor’s keepers.”