Federal Government Sends Team to Help Borno State After Flood, Prevents Diseases and Chemical Dangers

In response to the devastating floods that have recently affected Borno State, the Federal Ministry of Environment has taken swift action by deploying a specialized team to address the environmental and health challenges resulting from the disaster. During a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, highlighted the critical need for immediate intervention to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and to identify hazardous chemicals that may have been introduced into water bodies during the flooding.

Dr. Salako, while commissioning the resources to be used by environmental health practitioners in the state, stated that the deployment is crucial to mitigate the wide range of health risks associated with floods. “It is imperative to sound caution to the people, authorities, and stakeholders regarding diseases such as diarrhea and cholera, which could reach epidemic proportions due to the use of contaminated water for cooking and drinking,” he said.

He also pointed out additional long-term health risks such as silicosis, asbestosis, asthma, and cancer, which may arise from exposure to chemical substances that have been washed into floodwaters. These chemicals can impair cardiopulmonary functions, posing severe health hazards to the local population.

The flooding has led to a host of environmental challenges, including the contamination of water by harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, which can cause waterborne infections. Furthermore, insect-borne parasites like plasmodium, carried by houseflies, can lead to vector-borne diseases. Salako warned that physical, chemical, and psychological hazards are prevalent in post-flood situations, as topsoil and debris washed into rivers, ponds, and wells can introduce fertilizers, herbicides, and other agro-allied chemicals into water bodies, exacerbating the risk of exposure to hazardous substances.

Deployed Team’s Immediate Focus

To combat these dangers, the Federal Government has deployed a multi-disciplinary team composed of experts from various departments and agencies, including the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, the Department of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management, and the Environmental Health Council. Their primary tasks include conducting continuous water sampling and testing to ensure safety, identifying and mitigating sources of hazardous chemicals, and preventing the spread of waterborne diseases.

As part of the immediate relief efforts, the Ministry has dispatched 100 drums of chlorine, each weighing 40 kg, to disinfect contaminated water sources. These resources will help ensure that residents in flood-affected areas have access to safe drinking water. In addition, 30,000 informational flyers will be distributed to raise awareness about proper sanitation, hygiene practices, and waste disposal to curb the spread of infections.

Federal and State Collaboration

Dr. Salako also underscored the importance of close collaboration between federal and state authorities to effectively address the environmental challenges posed by the floods. He urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect public health and safety.

In a separate statement, the Minister of State for Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, extended his condolences to the affected communities and emphasized the need for a coordinated response to mitigate the environmental and public health challenges arising from the flooding. He commended the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, for his decisive leadership and rapid mobilization of resources to protect the well-being of the state’s citizens.

“Under His Excellency’s capable leadership, Borno State will emerge stronger from this tragedy,” Lawal said, expressing confidence in the resilience of the state’s people.

Future Mitigation and International Partnerships

Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to collaborate closely with the Borno State Government to develop long-term strategies aimed at mitigating the impacts of future floods. This will include the creation of early warning systems that will help communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters more effectively. The Federal Government also seeks to engage with international partners to enhance the state’s disaster risk management and climate adaptation capacities.

The deployment of the environmental health team marks a critical step in the government’s ongoing efforts to address the immediate and long-term consequences of flooding in Borno State. By focusing on health, safety, and environmental protection, the Federal Government aims to reduce the risks posed by this disaster and help the state recover and rebuild stronger.

For more details, visit the official Ministry of Environment page here.

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