Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno says the magnitude of the destruction from the devastating flood caused by the Alau Dam in Maiduguri cannot yet be quantified.
“The magnitude of the destruction from this devastating flood cannot yet be quantified until the water has receded and on-the-spot assessments have been conducted,” Mr Zulum said in a statewide broadcast on Friday.
Mr Zulum said the state government would constitute a multi-stakeholder committee to assess the losses and guide the recovery and rebuilding processes.
“However, recovery from such a disaster cannot be the government’s responsibility alone. It requires the collective effort of all stakeholders,” said the governor, who appealed to community leaders, non-governmental organisations and wealthy individuals to support victims.
Mr Zulum said his administration was also working with relevant federal agencies and civil society organisations to ensure effective relief efforts.
While appreciating the resilience of the people of Borno in the face of disasters, the governor expressed his sympathy to everyone affected directly and indirectly.
He also lauded all those who stepped up to provide humanitarian support, particularly the federal government, the military and United Nations organisations.
The governor also urged the media as partners to continue to help in raising awareness about the ongoing needs of our communities.
Financial support has started pouring in, with Aliko Dangote, who visited Mr Zulum and announced the donation of N1 billion from the Presidential Committee on Flood and another N1 billion from the Dangote Foundation.
Former Governor of Borno, Ali Sheriff and the Mukhtar Betara (APC-Borno) donated N100 million each, while Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa donated N50 million.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says more than 30 people have died, and over 400,000 have been displaced due to the flood in Maiduguri.
On Tuesday, thousands of residents fled their homes as floods ravaged swathes of Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin areas of Maiduguri.
The Borno government has opened up internally displaced persons (IDP) camps for victims across the state.
(NAN)