The Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has disclosed the devastating impact of recent floods in the state. According to the governor, the disaster destroyed 13,944 houses, displaced 52,000 people, and submerged 10,722 hectares of farmland, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Speaking during a meeting with a Swiss delegation at the Government House in Yola, Governor Fintiri outlined the extensive damage caused by the floods. He highlighted the destruction of 14 bridges and seven culverts, which has severely disrupted transportation and communication across the state. Additionally, the education and healthcare sectors have been heavily strained, compounding the challenges faced by affected communities.
Collaboration for Recovery and Prevention
During the meeting, the governor commended Switzerland for its ongoing contributions to supporting victims of insurgency and displacement in Adamawa through organizations like the CRC, FAO, and UN Migration Agency. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts in flood risk assessment, disaster management, and capacity-building programs to empower local communities.
Governor Fintiri also called for the implementation of pilot projects and innovative flood prevention solutions. He emphasized the importance of strengthening early warning systems and proactive response mechanisms to mitigate the effects of future floods.
Swiss Support and Technical Assistance
The Deputy Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Siamak Rouhani, acknowledged the recurring havoc caused by floods in Adamawa and expressed Switzerland’s commitment to providing technical support. Rouhani highlighted the need for sustainable strategies to prevent future disasters and assured the governor of Switzerland’s readiness to collaborate with Adamawa State in addressing flood-related challenges.
Path Forward
Governor Fintiri outlined key priorities for the state government’s flood prevention initiatives. These include:
- Strengthening early warning systems to enhance preparedness.
- Developing disaster management frameworks to reduce the impact of floods.
- Exploring funding opportunities to support flood prevention and recovery projects.
- Engaging in pilot projects and technical innovations to create long-term solutions.
As Adamawa grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the governor’s call for international and local collaboration serves as a rallying cry to address the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters in the region.