Borno flood: Climate change, excessive rainfall responsible for Alau Dam overflow – FG

The Federal Government has assured the public that the Alau Dam in Borno State did not collapse during the recent flooding.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, attributed the overflow to climate change and excessive rainfall

While extending the government’s condolences to the people of the state, the minister noted that earlier this year, a flood risk warning identified 31 states, including Borno, as high-risk areas.

Utsev said a team of technical experts from the ministry, various agencies, and the Chad Basin Development Authority were currently assessing the damage and working on solutions.

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He warned residents about the risks of contaminated water and the potential for waterborne diseases.

The minister also cautioned the increasing threat of river flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers, urging all regions to stay vigilant and take proactive measures.

He disclosed the President’s approval of N108 billion for flood prevention across the 36 states, based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Flood Disaster Prevention.

Utsev urged state governments and stakeholders to follow early warning systems and implement preventive actions to reduce future flooding.

The minister pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting affected communities, saying technical teams were assessing dams nationwide and planning upgrades.

“Government officials confirmed that climate change has intensified rainfall, leading to excess water that many dams are struggling to manage.

“When this administration began, we immediately initiated studies and designs for the rehabilitation of existing dams, including Alau.

“The dam didn’t collapse, but it struggled to handle the excess water from nearby tributaries, causing overflow into surrounding areas”.

He added that long-term solutions are underway, with budgetary allocations for 2024 and 2025 specifically targeting dam rehabilitation.

Alhaji Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, urged the media to exercise caution when reporting on sensitive issues.