A devastating flood in Maiduguri, Borno State, has been declared a national emergency after a breach of the nearby Alau Dam caused widespread destruction.
The flood, triggered by sustained rainfall, has:
– Claimed over 30 lives
– Displaced over 400,000 people
– Submerged hundreds of houses and vehicles
– Affected key areas, including Government House, Monday Market, and the University of Maiduguri
– Released dangerous animals from the zoo, posing additional threats to residents
Video footage showed residents wading waist-deep in floodwaters along major roads, with corpses seen floating in the water after cemeteries were breached.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, a former governor of Borno State, visited the affected areas and ordered the immediate procurement of 50 trucks of rice for displaced persons.
President Bola Tinubu has committed to relief efforts and ordered massive evacuations.
The scale of the disaster is expected to rise, with concerns over food and water shortages, and potential disease outbreaks.
Vanguard.
