By Emegwoako C. Paschal
On Wednesday, October 26th, the Nigerian Medical Association issued an alert about the floods in Nigeria, warning that the country was at high risk of waterborne diseases.
In an interview in Abuja, the President of the NMA, Dr Uche Ojinma, lamented that corpses were floating in floods, adding that the government should take action to prevent an epidemic.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reported a few days ago that the floods, which affected 34 of the country’s 36 states, had displaced 1.3 million people.
Over 600 people were killed, according to the UN, and over 200,000 homes were either partially or completely destroyed.
The NMA president, Ojinmah, stated in the interview, “The wells and streams are already contaminated, so there is a risk of waterborne diseases, especially in the affected states.”
“Corpses are floating in floodwaters, particularly in Bayelsa.” The government must provide adequate camping, toilets, water, and healthcare for them, as they will require medical attention for their health needs.”
Dr Emeka Orji, President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, also said that the floods in the country had immediate and long-term implications and threats.
“I must admit that we have not conducted any research into the effects of flooding in the country.” Floods, unfortunately, can cause waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid fever.
“The state and federal governments must take preventive measures to ensure that this disaster does not happen again.” Normally, there is a warning that flooding is imminent, but if we had an adequate emergency response team, this could have been avoided. As a result, I hold the state and federal governments responsible.
