Flood Disaster: Ndume Downplays Impact Of FG, Agencies

The senator representing South Borno Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Sen. Ali Ndume, has said the presence of the federal government and its agencies like the humanitarian ministry, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and North East Development Commission (NEDC) is not yet impactful on the plight of victims of the collapsed Maiduguri flood disaster.

Ndume said this yesterday while reacting to the destruction of lives and property of residents of Maiduguri by the recent flood.

He said there would likely be food and health crises after the flood due to the submerging of the three major markets, the Maiduguri Monday Market, Budum Market and Gamboru Cattle Market where foodstuff, livestock and general goods were washed away by the flood.

He said three major hospitals in Maiduguri, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, State Specialist Hospital and Mariam Abacha Memorial Hospital among others were submerged by the flood, thereby threatening public health.

Ndume added that there is also the likelihood of disease outbreak resulting from the dead bodies washed to the various communities affected by the flood from the Gwange graveyard which gave way, and the Gamboru cattle market and zoo where many animals died.

He said contamination of the water by dead animals and bacteria could result in severe health challenges such as cholera, diarrhea and other water borne diseases if adequate health measures are not taken.

However, he commended the Nigerian military, the police, and other security agencies for rescuing many of the flood victims and protecting their property.

He also commended Governor Zulum for steps taken since the flood incident, especially, the creation of over 25 feeding centres where the victims are camped.