The Federal Government has begun the evacuation of residents of the affected communities in the flooding that has ravaged Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
According to a statement by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday, the government is also working on the provision of food, shelter and medical assistance for the victims.
Channelstv reports that the unfortunate flooding situation in the Maiduguri metropolis of Borno State, which started last weekend and increased in the early hours of Monday, 9th September 2024, resulted from excess water from the Alau Dam.
One of the spillways of Alau Dam collapsed, leading to a significant increase in water flow downstream and exacerbating the flooding in surrounding areas.
The areas impacted by the incident include Shehuri, parts of the Government Residential Area (G.R.A.), Gambomi, Budum, Bulabulin, Adamkolo, Millionaires Quarters, Monday Market and Gwange.
As a result, NEMA said the Borno State Government has opened up Bakassi Camp to accommodate those displaced by the flood.
“We are working, alongside the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, in providing humanitarian assistance to the distressed in the camp,” the statement read partly.
NEMA’s response came after President Tinubu ordered the Agency to immediately swing into action, and assist the flood victims.
Tinubu in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday expressed deep concern about the flooding.
Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that lost their loved ones and means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alo Dam.