Flooding: Kogi opens 42 IDP camps for over 250,000 residents
NSE to partner Borno on structural integrity of affected infrastructures
The Kogi State government has said over 250,000 people in eight communities may be displaced in the event of flooding in this year’s wet season. This was disclosed yesterday at a stakeholders’ meeting on flood management led by the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Joseph Oluwasegun.
He said the meeting was in response to the rising water levels of the River Niger and Benue, as well as to plot a way forward as regards the 2024 flood prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). Recall that in 2012, almost a quarter of the state was submerged.
Already, 42 IDP camps have been established across eight Local Government Areas, with nine flood-prone areas identified, as part of the state government’s proactive measures towards mitigating the flood impact in this wet season.
The stakeholders, in their separate areas of expertise, explored various aspects of flood management, mitigation strategies, emergency response protocols, and evacuation procedures, with a focus on developing a comprehensive plan to minimise the impact in the event of flooding.
Oluwasegun called for a unified response to the impending flood threat, highlighting the need for seamless collaboration among stakeholders. Also, the Executive Secretary, Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Mouktar Atimah, stressed that an Emergency Operation Center would be established to facilitate effective coordination and response to the flood situation.
MEANWHILE, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has pledged readiness to collaborate with Borno State government and its relevant agencies to assess the structural integrity of affected infrastructure, implement sustainable flood management strategies, and work towards preventing future occurrence of such disasters.
Its President, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, made the pledge in a condolences letter to the government and people of Borno state over the recent flooding worsened by the failure of Alau Dam in Maiduguri, the state capital.
Oguntala reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to support the government in mitigating the effects of the disaster, stressing that the NSE aims to provide technical assistance and expert advice during the reconstruction efforts to ensure long-term disaster resilience.
“NSE extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Borno State following the devastating flooding caused by the Alau Dam disaster, which has led to widespread displacement, destruction of property, and infrastructural damage across Maiduguri and surrounding areas. The disaster has impacted thousands of lives, leaving homes, businesses, and key infrastructure in ruins.
The Society expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy and praised the Governor’s resilience and dedication to overcoming the challenges the state has faced,” she said.
She further called for a comprehensive report from Special Purpose Committee comprising of senior engineers within its relevant institutions detailing their involvement in the ongoing efforts, as well as progress made in collaboration with state agencies, for review.
Oguntala emphasised that the Nigerian Society of Engineers stands in solidarity with Borno government as it embarks on the path to recovery and rebuilding, ensuring that the technical expertise and knowledge of its members are fully utilised to support the restoration of affected communities and prevent future disasters.
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