The World Health Organisation (WHO) has pledged to support the Borno State government to mitigate the impact of the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri, which displaced many communities and left over 30 people dead.

Already, the UN Country Team has activated an Emergency Response Mechanism that is coordinating all the agencies and will lead the response as they support the government.

Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the situation on Thursday in Maiduguri, the WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo, lamented that about 14 health facilities have been cut off by the flood, while some laboratories have been affected.

Mulombo stated that the communities need help, adding that the WHO will assist the state government in managing the unprecedented crisis.

He said, “The sudden flooding has displaced many communities from their homes. We were shocked by what happened. We came to see firsthand and find out what the needs are to support the state and the federal government to address the sudden challenge. Climate change is real; we are seeing the devastation.”

Mulombo commended the state government for showing leadership and the state commissioner for health for responding very fast to the situation, adding that, from his observation, there is a coordinated response.

The state commissioner for health, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, who conducted Mulombo around the city, noted that the flooding has never happened at this scale in Borno State, adding that the Alau Dam, which provides water to Borno State, had problems, and about 70 per cent of Maiduguri has been submerged underwater.

He stated that the flood has cut off many healthcare facilities and personnel, adding that the state is collaborating with partners to address the situation.

The Commissioner observed that the immediate need is to provide shelter and food to displaced people, provide healthcare services, and later find out why the dam broke down.

Gana stated that the city of Maiduguri has expanded and currently has about 4 million people, hence the need to expand services.

He commended the UN system for coordinating the response, adding that the state is working with all the partners to save lives and provide vaccinations where necessary.

The Commissioner assured that the government is working to bring succour to the displaced persons.