The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), a non-governmental organisation based in Abuja, has expressed deep sadness over the flood disaster that recently struck in Maiduguri, Borno State, in Nigeria.
The tragic event, said to have been triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam, resulted in numerous casualties, loss of lives and widespread destruction of livelihoods with over 30 deaths and at least 414,000 people displaced, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
“NEMA also estimates that over one million people have been affected by flooding across the country with many communities at risk. While the immediate cause of the disaster is the dam’s failure, the underlying cause is climate change, which, through increased rainfall, exerted pressure on the dam which eventually overflowed,” SPP said on Monday, September 16, 2024, in a statement endorsed by Ugochukwu Uzuegbu, its Communications Officer.
The group added: “At this point, it is crucial that we deal with the root cause of the flood given the many obvious risks and impacts of climate change. It has become very clear that we cannot continue to play the ostrich. This unfortunate incident is once more a rude awakening to the dangers ahead, most especially highlighting the vulnerabilities of the subnational regions which bear the brunt of these climate impacts.”
SPP expressed concern over the “sad occurrence” and advocated that urgent action be taken by governments at all levels, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to provide relief to the people of Borno State.
As the world prepares for the forthcoming COP29 in two months’ time, generally regarded as the “Finance COP,” and as Nigeria prepares to submit her NDC 3.0, SPP is advocating for:
Easier access to international finance; speedy implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund; and improved funding of the Adaptation Fund to meet current needs. It is equally important that these resources when available are used efficiently and transparently, with the subnational also able to access these funds to help them enhance their disaster preparedness, adaptation efforts and mitigation measures.
Governments, particularly at the sub-national level, must urgently implement climate vulnerability risk assessments, and develop early warning systems. They should also prioritise developing climate change policies aligned with these assessments in order to mitigate future risks.
Efforts should be made to improve climate change awareness among the people. Informed communities are better equipped to adapt and embark on meaningful community-led actions against climate change.
SPP said it commiserates with the government and people of Borno State during this difficult time, adding: “We stand in solidarity with you as you begin the recovery process.”
