30 dead, over 400,000 displaced in Maiduguri flood, says NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says more than 30 people have died and over 400,000 displaced due to the flood in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

On Tuesday, thousands of residents fled their homes as flood ravaged swathes of Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin areas of Maiduguri.

The flood occurred due to the collapse of the Alau Dam which has been at full capacity for the past week.

The Borno government has opened up internally displaced persons (IDP) camps for victims across the state.

The incident has elicited widespread sympathy for the people of the state.

Speaking with TheCable on Thursday, Manzo Ezekiel, NEMA spokesperson, said over 400,000 people were displaced by the flood.

Ezekiel said more than 100,000 people are currently in various IDP camps.

The NEMA spokesperson added that the agency is working with stakeholders to support the victims by safely returning them to their homes after the flood recedes.

“As at a day before yesterday, our records indicate that not less than 30 people have been killed from that flood in Maiduguri town alone,” he said.

“The displaced persons are not less than 400,000. Those that are living in various camps are more than 100,000.”

NEDC TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO VICTIMS

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has promised to collaborate with government agencies to provide relief to those affected by the flood.

Mohammed Goni Alkali, NEDC managing director, and other members of the management team, visited the affected areas on Tuesday.

Alkali promised to provide temporary relief to victims pending full investigation and assessment of the situation.