The Federal Government has commenced the evacuation of residents affected by the flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is also providing food, shelter, and medical assistance to the victims.
The flooding, which started last weekend and worsened on Monday, September 9, 2024, was caused by excess water from the Alau Dam.
One of the spillways of the dam collapsed, leading to a significant increase in water flow downstream and exacerbating the flooding in surrounding areas.
The areas impacted by the incident include: Shehuri, Parts of the Government Residential Area (G.R.A.), Gambomi, Budum, Bulabulin, Adamkolo, Millionaires Quarters, Monday Market, Gwange
NEMA, in collaboration with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, is working to provide humanitarian assistance to the displaced persons.
The Borno State Government has opened the Bakassi Camp to accommodate those displaced by the flood.
President Tinubu has ordered NEMA to provide immediate assistance to the flood victims.
The President expressed deep concern about the flooding and extended his condolences to the government and people of Borno State, particularly to the families affected by the disaster.
The flooding has resulted in displacement of thousands of residents, mostly women and children, millions of naira lost due to the shutdown of business activities, including schools, submergence of major roads, houses, and shops in Maiduguri metropolis and parts of the Jere Local Government Area, damage to public infrastructure, including the Shehu’s Palace, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo, prison wall collapse, resulting in the death of some inmates and escape of others.
As of Tuesday, many displaced persons were seen taking refuge under trees on major roads, while others have begun relocating to safer places within the metropolis and outside the state.
The Maiduguri Zoo has also been affected, with 80% of the animals killed by the flood and others escaping into the city capital.
