BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Committed to the safety of Nigerians, the Federal Government has issued environmental and health advisory for community, household and personal levels that would assist in mitigating the impact of flooding.
This followed the devastating flooding on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, when several inmates escaped and corpses washed away from the cemetery due to fast-moving waters that swept more than 70 percent of Maiduguri metropolis, the Borno State capital.
News Rider reports that in line with Presidential directives, the ministry has mobilised technical and material support to the people and government of Borno state to remedy the effect of flooding.
A team of experts deployed to Borno are Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), wildlife conservationists, and pollution and erosion control officers, meant to assist the emergency management team in protecting the environment from further destruction.
Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing the media on interventions by the ministry to mitigate the 2024 flooding across the states, especially in Borno.
He noted that it was imperative to issue the environmental and health advisory so as to ameliorate the plight of the residents affected by the recent flooding.
The flooding, which many described as most devastating since the creation of the state in 1976, was linked to the overflow and collapse of Alau Dam in the state.
In addition to collapsed dam, the recent heavy downpour witnessed across the statee, also led to severe flooding in Biu, Chibok, Konduga, Bama, Dikwa and Jere Local Government Areas.
The minister enjoined the affected community to establish environmental health and sanitation committee to coordinate community level environmental health response and liaise with appropriate authorities.
He informed the community to ensure that public drains are opened and cleared of all kinds of debris to enable free flow of water, as effective drainage would facilitate quick abatement of the flood waters.
Salako added: "Make adequate provision for evacuation routes and also pay attention to weather forecast to forestall re-occurrence; be on alert by continuously monitoring the level of all surface waters; introduce continuous awareness creation in and around the community; and report any action that may lead to further flooding to the local authorities.
"Encourage members of the community to comply with flood alerts and warnings; work with the appropriate organs of government for rescue operations; designate and properly manage community waste dumpsites; coordinate provision of potable water supply; educate members of the communities on water treatment methods; enforce compliance with sanitation and hygiene measures; and coordinate supplies from support relief efforts.
At household level, the minister enjoined families to screen their buildings to prevent invasion of dangerous and stray animals such as reptiles, arachnids, amphibians, rodents, and other terrestrial and aquatic animals associated with flooding.
He informed that families should step up general cleaning of their surroundings to get rid of germs and filth; avoid dumping of wastes in waterways; raise electrical outlets in their houses to avoid electrocution; sand bag their surroundings to avoid water entry; and make provisions to treat water before consumption through boiling, chlorination, among others.
Salako advised families to ensure that there are no holes leading to their houses to avoid entry of pests and vermins; simulate evacuation and safety procedure in preparation for the next likely-to-happen event of flooding; participate in community clean-up that will restore public spaces; and provide hand washing facilities for family members’ use.
He pleaded with volunteers to assist neighbours, especially vulnerable populations.
On preventive measures at personal level, the minister encouraged the residents to wear protective gear like gloves, masks, and boots; avoid electrical hazards by switching off power lines and flooded electrical outlets; be aware of wildlife like snakes, rodents, and other displaced animals; and manage stress by seeking support from family, friends, or professionals.
He urged them to stay informed by following updates from authorities; use safe water either bottled or boiled for drinking, cooking, and hygiene; maintain personal hygiene by washing hands frequently; and prevent waterborne illnesses by avoiding contaminated water, food, and surfaces.
Also, to manage waste by properly disposing of human waste and hazardous materials, and to seek medical attention if injured or experiencing ill health.
He pointed out that the advisory was packaged in form of handbills and will be translated into Hausa and other languages for circulation.
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