Floods: UN, International Community pledge support to Borno

The United Nations together with other International rescue team members have pledged support for the Borno State government over the flood incident which occured on the 9th of September, 2024.

Speaking on behalf of the UN team, Esty Sutyoko, the UN national Humanitarian Coordinator were in the State to show support to the government and people of Borno as well as render their assistance in managing the flooding situation.

“We’ll like to express our deepest sympathy for what has happened in Borno. We also express our support and commitment from the International community…we are grateful for your leadership and we’ve also seen your swift action and how committed the government has been in the camps”.

Sutyoko who described the situation in Borno as “crisis within crisis,” noted that the conflict situation, the flood incident , food insecurity and heavy rains are major sources of concern and if not managed properly, could lead to health challenges and disease outbreaks especially with the movement of people from one place to another.

“So it is a concern that we have…with WHO working with the Ministry of Health, we are sure of a big intervention that is been scaled up and I know that they are working with the government on that”.

David, a member of the International team also expressed his excitement to be part of the visit to Borno State government.

He applauded Governor Babagana Zulum for his leadership skill and direction in managing the flood situation.

In his response, Governor Zulum said he called the meeting to specifically thank the team for their support and to show his gratitude for the unprecedented love, concern and effort they have shown during this trying period.

” You stood with us during the period of boko haram, you stood with us during the aftermath of rebuilding after the disaster caused by insurgency and once again, you are standing with us in this crisis caused by the flood”.

The Governor also empahasized the need for a common goal and aspiration between all the rescue parties as they respond and provide various assistance to the flood victims.

He however noted sadly, that the numbers of persons in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps are at high figures because non victims have used the occasion to get food and monetary assistance from the governmemt due to the harsh econmonic situation in the country.

Governor Zulum explained that the government of Borno was able to respond rapidly to the flooding in the first 48hrs of the incident, making sure that the team led by him rescued as many as they could alive.

While, noting that many persons have been displaced from their homes and some others dead, he however, appealed to the various rescue teams to be more coordinated, structured and ensure that they work together.

PIAK