THE Federal Government has warned that the increasing level of flooding and continuous rainfall may worsen the spread of cholera in the country.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Joseph Terlumum raised the concern while addressing a press conference on Thursday.
According to him, a total of 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected cases have already been recorded as of Wednesday, July 3, 2024, since the outbreak of the epidemic.
Recent incessant rains have resulted in floods in some states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a situation that prompted the minister to call on state governments across the country to intensify efforts in clearing drainages.
He said, “We are calling on states and local government councils, to intensify and step up efforts to avert flood-related disasters in their domains as we approach the peak of the flooding season.
“At the national, some states have started experiencing some level of flooding and its associated disaster as of April this year. So far, more than three states such as FCT have experienced high levels of flooding, with several casualties recorded, including displacement of people and loss of properties.”
According to the minister, there has been no release of water yet from any of the dams within and outside Nigeria.
For Kainji and Jebba Dams on River Niger, he said water is still impounded into their reservoirs.
