One of the flooded areas (AFP image)
Relief has come the way of Maiduguri flood victims as the Nigeria government begins the evacuation of residents of the affected communities.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) stated on Tuesday September 11, 2024, that it was also working on the provision of food, shelter and medical assistance for the victims.
The unfortunate flooding situation in the Maiduguri metropolis of Borno State, which started last weekend and increased in the early hours of Monday September 9, 2024, resulted from excess water from the Alau Dam.
One of the spillways of Alau 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 (GRA), Gambomi, Budum, Bulabulin, Adamkolo, Millionaires Quarters, Monday Market and Gwange.
Consequently, NEMA said that the Borno State government has opened up Bakassi Camp to accommodate those displaced by the flood.
“We are working, alongside the Borno State Emergency Management Agency in providing humanitarian assistance to the distressed in the camp,” the statement read partly.
NEMA’s response came after President Bola Tinubu ordered the agency to immediately swing into action, and assist the flood victims.
Maiduguri residents making their way out of the flood in canoes
Tinubu, in a statement issued by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, expressed concern about the flooding.
Tinubu also extended his condolences to the government and people of Borno State, especially to the families that lost their loved ones and means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.
Major roads, houses, and shops in Maiduguri metropolis and parts of the Jere Local Government Area have been submerged by floodwaters.
Also read: Maiduguri dam collapse represents failure in governance – RDI
The Shehu’s Palace, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo were also some of the public infrastructure submerged by flood.
A prison wall located along the Custom area was broken by flood as some inmates allegedly drowned, while several others escaped for their lives.
Major roads within the state capital including the Post-Office Roundabout which links major locations in the capital are flooded, cutting off vehicular movement within the metropolis.
The Abbaganaram, Custom Road along which the flooded prison is located, Tashan Bama, Custom Road, Monday Market, Gamboru Market Custom Area, Cattle Market in old Maiduguri, Gwange area, Lagos Street are all communities affected by the flood.
The Maiduguri Zoo popularly known as Sanda Kyarimi Zoo Park was also flooded.
According to the General Manager of the zoo, Ali Abatcha, 80% of the animals in the zoo have been killed by the flood while the others have escaped into the city capital.
……………
For more interesting stories click: nigerianewsflight.com.ng
