The Federal Government has issued a warning that the ongoing flooding and continuous rainfall could exacerbate the spread of cholera across the country.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Prof. Joseph Terlumum, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, highlighted the concerning situation. He reported that as of Wednesday, July 3, 2024, there have been 63 fatalities and 2,102 suspected cases since the start of the epidemic.
Terlumum attributed the recent flash floods to persistent heavy rainfall across various states and Abuja, the nation’s capital. He noted that these floods, predominantly affecting urban areas, were caused by intense rainfall and inadequate drainage systems.
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.”
The minister clarified that no water has been released from any dams, both within and outside Nigeria. Specifically regarding the Kainji and Jebba Dams on the River Niger, he confirmed that water remains stored in their reservoirs.
He also warned of impending river flooding expected to commence this month, affecting several states including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Adamawa, Benue, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Ondo, Ogun, Rivers, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said: “Clearing of blocked drainage systems and canals, replications of people living along waterways and states and local governments, are encouraged to desilt river channels and canals in their respective constituents, to collect runoff water is part of the recommendation file for flood motifs.”
On Tuesday, Jide Idris, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), provided an update on the cholera outbreak, confirming that the death toll had risen to 63 with 2,102 suspected cases reported.
He disclosed that cases had been identified in 122 Local Government Areas spanning 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Idris highlighted that approximately 90 percent of the cases were concentrated in 10 states, predominantly in the southern region,”of the top 10 states contributing to 90 percent of the cases—Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Delta—seven are located in the southern part of the country.”
He attributed the outbreak to the consumption of contaminated food and water, noting the challenges posed by open defecation practices. Despite these challenges, Idris expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to control further spread, emphasising the activation of the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate a comprehensive response following a thorough risk assessment conducted by the agency earlier.
He said: “In response to the rapidly increasing cholera cases, a dynamic risk assessment was conducted by subject matter experts on the cholera outbreak situation in Nigeria last week.
“The subject matter experts were drawn from relevant Ministries (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Water Resources, etc.), Departments, Agencies, stakeholders, and major partners. The outcome of the risk assessment placed the country at “High Risk” of increased risk of cholera transmission and impact.”