Borno Flood: FG Opens IDP Camps as 70% of Maiduguri Submerged
A devastating flood has submerged 70% of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, displacing thousands of residents and causing widespread destruction. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has opened three Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps to accommodate those affected.
President Bola Tinubu has called for the immediate evacuation of residents in flooded communities, while Vice President Kashim Shettima has visited the area to assess the situation.
The flood has also led to a jailbreak at the Maiduguri correctional facility, with over 200 inmates escaping. The Nigeria Correctional Service has recaptured three of the escapees. The flood has been described as the worst in 30 years, with 229 people killed and 386,239 displaced across the country so far this year.
According to NEMA, the flood began after the Alau Dam overflowed following heavy rains. The agency’s spokesperson, Manzo Ezekiel, said the flood has exceeded forecasts and has trapped many people in their homes.
The Borno State Emergency Management Agency described the flooding as “terrible” and said it has affected major city locations, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Umar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, the state secretariat, post office, cemetery, Lagos Area, Bulabulin, Gwange, Monday Market, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and Kofar Shehu.
The flood has forced a shutdown of businesses in Maiduguri as residents battle to relocate to safe locations. The management of the biggest zoo in the city said 80% of their animals died from the catastrophe. The Arewa Consultative Forum has expressed deep condolences to Nigerians, especially northerners, over the devastating floods that have ravaged the region.
The Federal Government has promised to provide relief materials to affected communities, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has conveyed the government’s sympathy to the victims of the flooding.
The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government relief agencies to accelerate their efforts to address the impact of the Borno flooding.
Punch
