Health concerns, hunger slow recovery process for Maiduguri flood victims

September 17, 2024

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Health concerns, hunger slow recovery process for Maiduguri flood victims

Families in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, are struggling with health concerns, loss of businesses and hunger, among many challenges as they try to recover from the devastating impact of the flooding disaster that ravaged more than 70 percent of the metropolis.

It was a black September for the residents of Maiduguri following the breakdown of the Alau Dam which caused floodwaters to submerge the entire city, destroying critical places like the cemetery, zoo, correctional centre, places of worship and many others.

The flooding has severely disrupted access to essential services, including healthcare and education, compounding the challenges faced by a population already strained by insecurity and economic hardships following the recent removal of government subsidies on petroleum products.

Analysts have predicted that the flood may be catastrophic, considering the region’s ongoing efforts to recover from the prolonged Boko Haram insurgency.

Public Affairs Analyst, Abubakar M Kareto, spoke to Business Day Nigeria on the catastrophic consequences the flood had on businesses, infrastructure and food security.

“Economically, the disaster has brought the state to a near standstill. Notable markets, including Gamburu and Maiduguri’s Monday Market, have been severely affected, with the later still reeling from a devastating fire outbreak last year, Abubakar M. Kareto said.

“As a vital economic artery and international marketplace, Monday Market’s disruption will have far-reaching repercussions,’ he further said.

He noted that infrastructure damage was alarming, with buildings at risk of collapse, bridges destroyed, and roads washed away, resulting in substantial financial losses.

“In the end, the recent flooding will have long-term consequences for the economy. The reversal is determined by policymakers’ decisions. A balance must be maintained between reconstruction efforts and support for productive areas of the economy, while also providing assistance to those who have been affected.

“Private properties have also been severely impacted, with numerous homes collapsing, especially in older neighborhoods, and entire areas like Fori totally submerged. The flood’s impact on education is equally concerning, with numerous schools affected, potentially compounding the existing challenges facing the state’s education sector,” Kareto pointed out.

Local authorities said the floodwaters have overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to widespread damage to roads and bridges. Key commercial hubs, typically bustling with activity, now stand eerily quiet; shops and stalls are either underwater or in ruins.

“I lost my entire stock,” lamented Mariam Abubakar, a small business owner whose shop was completely flooded.

“How will I feed my family now? We were already struggling with the rising costs of living before now,” she said.

The impact of the flooding on business investment is profound. Many small and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of Maiduguri’s economy, have been decimated, as they remain soaked in the rushing waters.

With limited resources and an already fragile economic environment, business owners are left to ponder an uncertain future. The combination of the devastating impact of flooding and the recent economic reforms has created a perfect storm that may push many into further poverty.

“This disaster comes at a time when families are already grappling with the fallout from subsidy removal, which has driven up fuel prices and living costs,” explained Bakura Bukar, a public affairs analyst based in Maiduguri.

“The loss of infrastructure and business investment will likely lead to increased unemployment and further put strain on social services.

“As climate shocks become more common, there is a need to invest in improved weather prediction and early warning systems. Then, based on these systems’ suggestions, immediate action must be taken, including training for homes in disaster-prone locations,” Bukar further said.

The state government has initiated emergency response measures, but resources are limited. Relief efforts are underway, with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community groups mobilising to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to those affected.

However, the scale of the disaster poses significant challenges to recovery efforts.

Although the water levels have begun to recede, with locations like Customs Flyover and Monday Market being cleared as of early Thursday morning, residents are being urged to exercise caution.

Lagos Street and Gwange bridges in particular are feared to be at risk of partial collapse. The flood has also triggered a food shortage in Maiduguri, with the price of essential goods skyrocketing.

Umaru Babagana explained that lack of access contributed to the food scarcity. It is exacerbating the suffering of those affected and the general populace. In some areas, a bag of rice now costs ₦150,000, spaghetti is now sold at N2,000 and the price of pepper has gone up dramatically. “This is a tragedy,” Babagana said.

In his broadcast to the people of Borno on the flood, Governor Babagana Zulum has made a strong appeal for support from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), national and international organisations, and wealthy individuals to aid victims of the flood disaster in the state. He described the impact of the destruction as “unquantifiable” and a “stark reminder of the vulnerabilities” faced in the environment.

Zulum noted that recovery from the disaster cannot be the government’s responsibility alone, but requires collective effort from all stakeholders. He expressed empathy to those affected and assured them that the government is committed to providing aid.

The governor announced plans to constitute a multi-stakeholder committee to assess the losses and guide the recovery and rebuilding process. He also called for unity and solidarity among the people of Borno, emphasising the need for collective innovative thinking and commitment to rebuild lost infrastructure and homes.

He also extended gratitude to those who have provided humanitarian support, including the Federal Government, the Nigerian military, and UN agencies.

He encouraged the media to help raise awareness about the ongoing needs of the communities and to disseminate information on how individuals can help.

Also, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, said at least 414,000 people were displaced.

The Head of Public Information, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Abuja, Ann Weru, stated this in a Media Advisory.

She said that the data was collected by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as of 11 September 2024.

Access to hospitals, schools and markets, she added, has been hampered. NEMA’s records also show that 37 people died, and about 58 people sustained injuries.

Damages to infrastructure, including bridges, were recorded. Evacuation of people in high-risk areas to safer ground is ongoing, amid concerns about the risk of disease outbreaks,” she said.

She said that Mohamed Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, will visit areas impacted by the flooding in Maiduguri and meet with affected people, local authorities and humanitarian partners.

The Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has announced the donation of N2 billion to assist those affected by the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri, he explained that while the Presidential Committee on Flood and Disaster, which he chairs, has committed N1billion, the Dangote Foundation will donate an additional N1billion.

“We have a Presidential Committee on Flood and Disaster which I chair. They have already committed about N1billion, and the Aliko Dangote Foundation will also give another N1 billion. We will definitely give this two billion naira as early as this coming week,” he said.

Dangote also solicited the support of other corporate Nigerians to Borno State Government in order to address the destruction caused by flood in Maiduguri and its environs.

He promised that he would continue to mobilise other funds and resources to see what he can do to alleviate the suffering of the people.

“It’s really mind-boggling; it is disastrous. I have never seen this kind of overwhelming disaster. I think it is going to be a herculean task in the couple of days and even weeks for this situation to go back to normal. Most of the houses would not survive because they had been submerged and the foundations had weakened.

“I am calling on all Nigerians to rise up and support because the government cannot do it alone. We really need to help make sure that people do not continue to suffer.

“Some of them have been in their houses for the last three days. It has really touched my heart to see how people suffered.”

Public health experts have revealed that in terms of health facilities, the flood had an equal impact on the city’s two largest hospitals, The State Specialist Hospital and UMTH, leaving lesser institutions to respond to medical demands, Kaka Sanda Umaru noted.

“It is unfortunate to remember that floods like this typically result in additional health concerns due to unsanitary conditions and consumables.

“In terms of health facilities, the flood had an equal impact on the city’s two largest hospitals, the State Specialist Hospital and UMTH, leaving lesser institutions to respond to medical demands.”

He noted that state governments must improve their catastrophe response capabilities.

“For instance, more coordination between government and non-state entities is required to enable more effective resource allocation to affected households,” he said.

From Business Day Nigeria.

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Watch devastating pictures/videos of the flood;