The Federal Government has appealed to Nigerians to clear their canals, drainages and gutters to mitigate floods.

A dam update report by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on Sunday, said the water levels at the nation’s critical stations along the River Benue, showed a steady increase towards flood levels.

According to the statement signed by Head Media and Publicity, Lauretta Samuel, as of Saturday, the rise continues but at flood preparedness level.

This is as a recent overflow in the Alau Dam caused the worst flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, and in the history of Nigeria.

The recent floods in Maiduguri and Jere have displaced at least 600,000 persons, submerging many hospitals and triggering a health crisis in Borno State.

The situation is compounded by contaminated water, poor sanitation, and overcrowding, which have increased the risk of disease outbreaks in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

This situation was revealed in a press statement made available to Nigerian Tribune in Maiduguri, on Sunday by Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD) Communication Officer, Jibrin Kolo.

The statement warned that IDP camps face a high risk of cholera, typhoid, and dysentery due to contaminated water sources and overcrowding.

“CASFOD and Pam Care community initiative are providing urgent relief, including clean drinking water, health services, and hygiene items to displaced families in IDP camps.

The statement explained that the floods have devastated the city, displacing people and resulting in at least 30 deaths. The livestock and agricultural sectors have been severely impacted, leaving farmers without income or food.

CASFOD is working with partners, such as the World Food Programme, to provide hot meals and drinking water.

“Over 70 percent of vulnerable families benefiting from their livestock livelihood programme have lost livestock, exacerbating the crisis.

“CASFOD and Pam Care, urge additional support from the government and international donors to expand relief efforts and rebuild livelihoods. As the situation worsens, they stress that more needs to be done. Local residents rely on humanitarian efforts for survival.

“Collective efforts are essential to prevent further suffering and ensure a swift recovery for Borno State’s most vulnerable populations,” Kolo added

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE