Vice President Kashim Shettima says that despite preparations, the severity of the floods in Maiduguri is the most catastrophic in over three decades in the Borno capital.

During an on-the-spot assessment of the ravaging floods in Maiduguri, Borno State, Mr Shettima said the impacts exceeded estimation but assured that the federal government would prioritise the welfare of the affected communities.

President Bola Tinubu had directed Mr Shettima to immediately visit Maiduguri to assess the devastating flood in the state capital.

“The disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, not just globally, but particularly to North-East regions.

” Nigeria’s vulnerability to flood disasters has been highlighted time and again, as witnessed during the devastating floods of 2012, 2018, and 2022.

” The factors contributing to these recurring disasters are diverse, and it is for this reason that Tinubu has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges headlong.

” Nonetheless, the federal government remains determined in its commitment,” he said.

Mr Shettima said that, as with other states facing similar crises, the government is committed to mobilising all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected persons.

The vice president commiserated with the victims of the flood disaster and expressed the deepest sympathies of Mr Tinubu to the victims.

Mr Shettima said, “The flood, which began over the weekend and worsened in the following days, was the direct result of excess water from the Alau Dam.

” The collapse of the spillways unleashed a significant surge of water downstream, causing widespread flooding in the surrounding communities.”

He said efforts were ongoing to evacuate residents in the affected areas and ensure the provision of food, shelter and medical assistance.

Mr Shettima said that in response to the 2024 flood outlook, the government intensified its interventions in flood-prone areas characterised by erratic rainfall patterns and complex river basin dynamics.

He commended the government of Borno State for its swift and effective response to this tragic situation.

(NAN)