The recent flood disaster in Maiduguri could have been averted if timely action had been taken. Despite early warnings about the impending disaster, authorities failed to act swiftly, resulting in devastating consequences.
Reports suggest that the flooding could have been minimized if water from the Alau Dam had been released on time, and if adequate shelters had been prepared for potential victims.
The residents of Maiduguri placed their trust in the government, believing that the measures being taken would protect them. Unfortunately, this trust was misplaced.
During a visit to the Alau Dam on the 7th and 8th of September, government officials, led by the Secretary to the State Government and officials of the Chad Basin, reassured the public that there was no immediate danger.
The people were told there was no need for alarm, and life continued as normal. However, these assurances proved to be false.
Had immediate steps been taken when meteorologists issued warnings of potential flooding, and had shelters been provided as a precaution, much of the loss and suffering could have been avoided.
Now, the community is grappling with the aftermath. Many have lost their lives or been injured due to collapsing buildings and the lack of safe shelters.
The death toll is still rising, and the damage to property is estimated to be in the billions of Naira.
In the wake of the disaster, concerns are growing about the potential outbreak of disease.
With hospitals and health centers already stretched beyond capacity, the situation is dire.
The shortage of healthcare workers only exacerbates the problem, raising serious concerns about the state’s ability to respond to a health crisis.
While international and national non-governmental organizations have offered their assistance, along with support from the international community and neighboring governments, these efforts have not been enough to fully address the scale of the disaster.
Stakeholders are working hard to ensure that the situation is contained, but much more needs to be done.
This tragic flood should serve as a wake-up call for the government. Proactive measures must be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
While it may not be possible to provide shelter for every citizen, steps must be taken to mitigate the impact of future floods.
Dredging the rivers to accommodate overflow and expanding healthcare facilities should be top priorities as more warnings of future floods are already being received.
As the saying goes, “a stitch in time saves nine.” It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to protect its citizens from further harm.
By Veronica Ibrahim Gwamna
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