The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has issued a strong call for government agencies and the private sector to take urgent steps in providing relief and support to the victims of the recent devastating floods in Borno State.
The floods have left many citizens homeless, and HDAN urges all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly to address the crisis.
In a statement released to the Press on Monday, Festus Adebayo, the Executive Director of HDAN, expressed the organization’s deep sympathies for the people of Borno State.
The floods have reportedly displaced over 2,000,000 citizens, causing widespread devastation to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Adebayo emphasized that the disaster has further worsened Nigeria’s already critical housing deficit and highlighted the need for immediate action, particularly in the area of urban planning.
Adebayo pointed out that the floods, which have been described as unprecedented, have wreaked havoc on Maiduguri, the state capital, as well as other parts of Borno State.
Homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure have been submerged under rapidly rising waters.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), around 70 percent of Maiduguri is now flooded, leaving many residents in dire conditions and in urgent need of help.
HDAN is calling on both federal and state governments to intensify their relief efforts by providing temporary shelters, food, clean drinking water, and medical aid to those affected by the flood.
The situation has become even more concerning as floodwaters have exhumed corpses from the Gwange Cemetery, raising the risk of disease outbreaks.
Health experts are already warning of the potential for waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid due to contaminated water in the affected areas.
In his statement, Adebayo described the situation as not only a humanitarian disaster but also a looming health crisis. “The scenes in Borno are alarming,” he said. “The government must ensure that those displaced have access to clean water, decent shelter, and medical care to prevent further loss of life.”
The flooding has not only destroyed homes but also damaged critical public infrastructure.
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) had to evacuate patients to higher floors as water levels rose, making it difficult for the hospital to continue operating effectively.
HDAN also called on the private sector, particularly those in the housing and construction industries, to join the effort to rebuild homes and restore infrastructure in flood-affected areas.
Adebayo urged private companies to partner with the government to speed up recovery efforts and restore livelihoods. “This is a time for all hands to be on deck,” Adebayo said. “The private sector, especially those in housing and construction, should contribute to the rebuilding process and help restore communities.”
The impact of the floods has extended beyond human populations. The Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Maiduguri has lost 80 percent of its animals due to the floods, with many dangerous creatures, including crocodiles and snakes, escaping into nearby communities.
Authorities have urged residents to stay away from flooded areas for their safety, as rescue and relief efforts are ongoing.
There is also a growing fear of an epidemic in the region, as water sources have been contaminated.
Dr. Abubakar Ngubdo, Chairman of the Association of Resident Doctors, warned that floating corpses and sewage in the water could lead to serious health crises if immediate action is not taken.
He called on the government to provide adequate sanitation facilities and health services to prevent the spread of diseases among the displaced population.
In an unexpected turn of events, reports from security sources revealed that floodwaters have even reached the notorious Sambisa Forest, where insurgent groups operate.
The floods have reportedly killed over 100 insurgents and their families as waters from River Yedzaram swept through the area.
In response to the crisis, the Borno State Government has reopened Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to house flood victims, and aid agencies are already providing assistance.
This tragic disaster has underscored the urgent need for long-term solutions to address climate change and improve flood management systems in Nigeria.
HDAN reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for stronger housing policies that prioritize disaster preparedness and mitigation.
The organization believes that better policies will help prevent future catastrophes of this magnitude.
Adebayo concluded the statement by expressing HDAN’s solidarity with the people of Borno State during this challenging time.
He called on all Nigerians to support the ongoing relief efforts, emphasizing that helping those affected by the floods should be a collective responsibility. “We must come together to alleviate the suffering of those displaced by this disaster,” he said.
