September 15, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
The United Nations, UN, has pledged urgent support to thousands of people displaced by devastating floods in Maiduguri, Borno State.
A recent press release from the UN Information Centre confirmed the organization’s commitment to providing immediate assistance to those affected.
The floods, triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam on September 9, 2024, have left countless residents homeless, further exacerbating the dire humanitarian crisis in Borno State.
A high-level delegation led by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, visited Maiduguri on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
The team, comprising representatives from UN agencies, NGOs, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, met with affected residents, government officials, and Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum.
“The flood-affected people are facing a crisis within a crisis, as the floods occurred during a severe food insecurity and malnutrition crisis.
“I witnessed firsthand the devastation and hardship caused by the flooding, including the destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure. I also saw the suffering of the affected communities,” Fall stated.
The UN stated that the situation in Borno has worsen with the recent floods disaster having been displaced multiple times by conflict and insecurity, and are now even more vulnerable.
Responding to the UN humanitarian gesture, the State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed his gratitude for the international support
He said, “We are especially thankful for the use of the UN helicopters to deliver life-saving assistance, including food and non-food items, to communities cut off by the flood. I also thank the UN for camp coordination and camp management support.
“Our priority is to rebuild the lives of affected people and to ensure that the displaced population does not stay for more than two weeks in the temporary shelters provided for them,” he said.
UN delegation aimed to assess the damage and outline immediate support measures to alleviate the suffering of the flood victims.
