The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned Nigerians against drinking or carrying out household chores with flood water.
NEMA’s Head of Operations in Adamawa, Ladan Ayuba, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, July 6, said to avoid a cholera outbreak resident should ensure they drink and wash with clean water.
His words, “You should also not drink or wash clothes with flood water to avoid cholera outbreak.
“People should only return home when the authorities say it is safe to do so because we are experiencing flood as a result of release of water from Lagdo Dam of Cameron Republic.”
According to Ayuba, 9,733 households have been affected by the windstorm with ravaged the state since 2024.
Noting the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the people, Ayuba said NEMA has conducted an assessment in the affected Local Government Areas which include; Jada, Hong, Mayo-Belwa, Madagali and Fufore.
Heed official warnings and sensitisation
Speaking further, urged residents of the state to ensure they heed to warnings from relevant agencies including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for predictions.
He said some Local Government Areas – Fufore, Yola-North, Yola-south, Girei, Numan, Lamurde and Gombi – will likely be affected by flooding.
Ayuba said, “For your safety, please avoid flood-prone areas, stay on higher ground and stop dumping refuse in waterways.”
He also advised residents to always listen to the radio for relevant information and follow instructions of the agency as sensitisation programs are ongoing.
Last Thursday, the Federal Government about 20 states will experience devastating floods in July.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumum, at a press conference, urged state governments to clear blocked drainages to avoid flooding and a continued spread of cholera disease.
Terlumum said a total of 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected cases of cholera have already been recorded as of Wednesday, July 3, 2024, since the outbreak of the epidemic.
