Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has revealed that floods displaced 52,000 people, destroyed 13,944 houses, and wiped out over 10,722 hectares of farmland across the state last year.
Speaking in Yola during a meeting with a Swiss delegation, Fintiri highlighted the severe impact of flooding on infrastructure, noting that 14 bridges and seven culverts were damaged, disrupting transportation and communication networks in the state.
“We are dealing with significant challenges from last year’s floods, which have affected lives, infrastructure, and the local economy,” he said.
The governor commended Switzerland for its ongoing support to victims of insurgency and displacement through partnerships with organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the UN Migration.
He called for collaborative efforts to address flood risks, implement disaster management strategies, and strengthen capacity-building initiatives for local communities. “We need pilot projects, innovative flood prevention solutions, and sustainable funding sources to tackle these challenges effectively,” Fintiri added.
The governor also underscored the importance of enhancing early warning systems and adopting proactive measures to prevent future flood disasters.
Siamak Rouhani, Switzerland’s deputy ambassador to Nigeria, acknowledged the recurring flood challenges in Adamawa State and reiterated Switzerland’s commitment to providing technical assistance to mitigate the impacts.
“Switzerland remains committed to offering the necessary support to address these challenges,” Rouhani said.
