Flood: Magnitude of destruction unknown yet, says Zulum

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has said that the magnitude of the destruction from this devastating flood caused by Alau Dam in Maiduguri cannot yet be quantified.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zulum made this known on Friday in a statewide broadcast on the flood.

“The magnitude of the destruction from this devastating flood cannot yet be quantified until the water has receded and on-the-spot assessments have been conducted.

“We shall constitute a multi-stakeholder committee to undertake a sector-by-sector assessment of the losses to guide the recovery and rebuilding process.

“However, recovery from such a disaster cannot be the government’s responsibility alone. It requires the collective effort of all stakeholders.

“Today, I am appealing to everyone – community leaders, business owners, non-governmental organisations (national and international), and our esteemed wealthy individuals, to come together in support of our brothers and sisters who are suffering.

“Unity has always been our strength in Borno. In times like this, we must harness that strength and show empathy and compassion to each other.

“We are working closely with various federal government agencies, civil society organisations, and the Nigerian military to ensure that relief efforts are streamlined and effective.

“I invite and encourage other stakeholders to collaborate with our agencies to identify the best ways of providing assistance.

“Together, we can create a robust response plan that would address not only immediate needs but also long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts,” Zulum said.

While appreciating the resilience of the people of Borno in the face of disasters, the governor expressed his sympathy to everyone affected directly and indirectly.

He also lauded all those that stepped up to provide humanitarian support, particularly Federal Government, the military and United Nations organisations.

The governor also urged the media as partners to continue to help in raising awareness about the ongoing needs of our communities.

“Your role (media) in disseminating information about how individuals can help and where supports and interventions can be directed is invaluable,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that financial support has started pouring in with Aliko Dangote who visited Zulum announcing the donation of N1billion from the Presidential Committee on flood, and another N1b from the Dangote Foundation.

Former Governor of Borno, Sen. Ali Sheriff and the Rep. Mukhtar Betara (APC-Borno) donated N100m each, while Gov. Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa donated N50m.

NAN reports that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says more than 30 people have died and over 400,000 displaced due to the flood in Maiduguri.

On Tuesday, thousands of residents fled their homes as flood-ravaged swathes of Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin areas of Maiduguri.

The Borno government has opened up internally displaced persons (IDP) camps for victims across the state.