Over 16,000 displaced as flood hits 14 LGAs in Borno

The Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) says over 16,000 persons have been displaced following flooding in 14 LGAs in the state.

Yabawa Kolo, director-general of SEMA in Borno, said this on Monday in an interview with NAN in Maiduguri, the state capital.

TheCable had reported that over 250 persons have been killed across the country within four months as a result of flooding.

Speaking on the flood situation in Borno since the current rainy season, Kolo said the damage assessment exercise conducted showed that in Monguno and Kala Balge LGAs, 1,735 persons were displaced, while farmland and 681 houses destroyed.

She said 112 toilet facilities at the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), NRC and Gana Ali internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in the same LGAs were submerged by the flood.

According to her, women and children have been rendered homeless by the flood, while most of the displaced persons are currently taking refuge in neighbouring communities and primary schools in the state.

She listed the affected areas as Shani, Kwaya Kusar, Biu, Damboa, Askira Uba, Chibok, Kaga, Dikwa, Maiduguri, Monguno, Jere, Mobbar, Gwoza, Monguno, Kala Balge, among others.

“Reports from international partners in different field and locations indicated that a total of 4,989 houses destroyed and 16,393 victims affected,” Kolo said.

“This prompted SEMA to conduct rapid independent assessment to ascertain actual level of damage.

“Most of the displaced persons are seeking shelter in primary schools in neighbouring communities. They are now in need of shelter kits, mats, blankets and food items.”

She, however, assured residents that the state flood response committee is working to ensure that affected persons receive necessary support.