Maiduguri, Borno State, is experiencing its worst flooding in 30 years, with over 150,000 individuals affected after the Alau Dam burst. Military and civilian volunteers are evacuating trapped residents and recovering bodies, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region.
Maiduguri, Borno State, is grappling with unprecedented flooding, declared the worst in 30 years, as emergency efforts ramp up to evacuate affected residents. Thousands have been displaced following the rupture of the Alau Dam, which resulted in rapid water rise across the city.
On September 10, military personnel and civilian volunteers began rescue operations to reach families trapped in submerged neighborhoods. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inspected the most severely impacted areas, where ongoing evacuations of both individuals and deceased victims were conducted. Notable flooded locations include Gamboru Market and the Custom Area, with public facilities and homes left inundated.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that approximately 150,000 individuals and over 23,000 households have been affected, with predictions suggesting these numbers may increase significantly as more areas succumb to flooding. Eyewitness accounts reveal that parts of Maiduguri, which historically have been safe from floods, are now facing similar devastation.
NEMA spokesman Ezekiel Manzo described the situation as "unprecedented," emphasizing the scale of the disaster. Local authorities warn of potential dangers from escaped wildlife, as animals from the nearby zoo were reported to have been washed into residential areas. The urgent response from government agencies and volunteers highlights the critical need for humanitarian aid in the region as residents seek safety amid the crisis.
