The United Nations (UN) has committed to aiding the Borno State government in rescuing and supporting those affected by severe flooding that has ravaged the state capital and surrounding areas.
This commitment was made by Mohammed Malik Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, during a visit to Maiduguri on Saturday to assess the situation firsthand.
Fall explained that the purpose of the visit was to gather direct information on the flood victims’ needs and to determine their immediate and long-term requirements.
He reported that the floods have resulted in the deaths of 37 people, while 58 others have been hospitalized due to injuries and health complications.
“Today’s visit to Borno was to meet with the affected flood victims, local authorities, humanitarian partners, government officials, and representatives from UN agencies and donors,” Fall said during the briefing.
The floods have displaced over 414,000 residents across Maiduguri and parts of Jere Local Government Area in Borno State, while also causing significant damage to key infrastructure, including bridges, hospitals, schools, and markets.
These disruptions have severely impacted healthcare services and business activities, exacerbating the challenges faced by those affected.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Malik Fall, highlighted that the UN’s immediate priority is the evacuation and rescue of people in high-risk areas, followed by the provision of essential supplies and support.
He also voiced concerns about the heightened risk of disease outbreaks as a result of the flooding.
During the visit, Governor Babagana Zulum urged for a thorough flood disaster assessment in partnership with the UN and other development organizations to address the crisis comprehensively.
“We need reliable data on the extent of damage to both lives and property,” Zulum said, stressing that the federal and state governments cannot manage the crisis alone.
The governor further mentioned plans for cash transfers to support the flood victims, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the ongoing disaster.
As the situation evolved, both the UN and the Borno State government were working closely to provide relief and prevent further loss of life.
