Houses submerged by flood in Maiduguri on Tuesday At least, thousands of residents have been displaced while several inmates escaped as fast-moving waters led to heavy flooding that swept more than 70 percent of Maiduguri metropolis, the Borno State capital.
The flood also ravaged other major locations in the city, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Umar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, Lagos Area, Monday Market and cemetery.
Also, the state secretariat, post office, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and Maiduguri Zoo popularly called Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo were some of the critical infrastructure submerged by the flood on Tuesday.
Some of the inmates allegedly drowned while several others escaped when a prison wall located along the Custom area was destroyed by the flood.
The flooding, which many described as most devastating since the creation of the state in 1976, was linked to the overflow and collapse of Alau Dam in the state.
In addition to collapsed dam, the recent heavy downpour witnessed across the statee, also led to severe flooding in Biu, Chibok, Konduga, Bama, Dikwa and Jere Local Government Areas.
NEMA Intervenes
Already, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced the relocation of displaced residents to three Internally Displaced People (ISPs) Camps.
NEMA's spokesman, Manzo Ezekiel disclosed that the flooding exceeded the weather forecast, a situation that compelled the state government to open the Bakassi camp.
He noted that the residents relocated to a higher ground when the initial flood happened in Gwangi, lamenting that the higher ground is currently submerged by water.
"Our search and rescue team are already working with the state officials of the state emergency management agency by providing support to people affected by the flood. What is happening in Maiduguri is something that was not envisaged, and that it will be to this extent.
"The flooding has exceeded the forecast made because of what is happening in Maiduguri today (Tuesday).”
"Our team is on ground there, and we are working with the state emergency management agency to provide the necessary support, and to save lives from the flooding.
"Initially, about three camps were open in Gwangi, but with this situation now, people have moved to join their relations on the higher ground, and those that do not have relations in the higher part of the town, have moved to Bakasi Camp," he said.
70% Underwater
Manzo pointed out that about 70 per cent of the town is already underwater, as many people were trapped when the flood intensified while they were asleep, while some residents woke up to discover that they were inside water.
He informed that Borno’s flat ground geology made it easier for water to flow into passage areas in Maiduguri city, confirming that the flood began after the Alau Dam overflowed following heavy rains.
"The overflow of the main source of the dam in Borno State called Alau Dam, has brought the city to be underwater since last weekend. So, our attention now and our energy are geared towards providing necessary support by way of search and rescue, and supporting people that have been impacted. That is what we are doing now."
The spokesperson estimated that with about 70 per cent of the town underwater, that about 70 per cent of the over 800,000 Maiduguri residents might have been affected.
BSEMA Trapped
The officials of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), who went to rescue mission the residents were also trapped by the flood, describing the incident as terrible.
Director-General of BSEMA, Barkindo Muhammad noted that: "We went for a rescue and proceeded to distribute sandbags in Gozari. As I am talking to you now (on the telephone) I am trapped; we came to rescue some people and we are now trapped."
FG Sympathises With Residents
The Federal Government has sympathised with the victims of flood disaster in Maiduguri and directed NEMA to immediately assist the locals.
Vice President Kashim Shettima stated this when he arrived in Maiduguri on Tuesday to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.
He noted that President Tinubu expressed deep concerns over the flooding, just as he challenged relevant government agencies to expedite rescue efforts.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted Tinubu as saying that: "While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the President calls for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas.
President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the State, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.
"President Tinubu assures Governor Babagana Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.
"He orders the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims."
Floods have killed at least 229 people this year, displaced over 386,239 and affected 94,491 houses in parts of the country. In the Northeast alone, flood killed at least 49 persons in August while 125,805 hectares of farmland were affected.
Aside flooding, the northeast has been battling with insurgency that led to the death of over 350, 000 persons in the last 15 years.
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