Flood hits Maiduguri city in Borno State
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, is grappling with yet another devastating flood disaster.
The city’s residents were caught off guard on Wednesday when heavy rainfall poured down for over three hours, causing widespread flooding that displaced homes, destroyed properties, and damaged vehicles.
This latest disaster has thrown the city into panic, fear, and confusion, with many residents calling for urgent intervention from the state and local governments.
The Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has announced the evacuation of structures along the waterways of Alau Dam and Gadabul water channels, warning residents to avoid loitering, swimming, or fetching water from these areas.
Unfortunately, many buildings that were previously damaged by the recent flood disaster have been further destroyed or collapsed, resulting in another serious disaster with casualties yet to be ascertained.
Residents are struggling to cope with the disaster, with some expressing concern that despite the huge investments in rebuilding and renovating road networks, drainage systems, and buildings, another disaster has struck, destroying the good works and aesthetic nature of the renewed projects.
Some of the residents, who spoke to our correspondent in Hausa and Kanuri languages, are urging the state government to come to their aid with emergency relief materials and facilities to evacuate them, save their lives, and protect their properties.
The recent flooding has also raised concerns about the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera, malaria fever, skin diseases, and typhoid fever, due to water pollution. Government officials, including SEMA, NEMA, Fire Service, and other agencies, are working tirelessly to respond to the disaster.
The situation is dire, with many areas still inaccessible and not motorable. However, as the floodwaters recede, roads and drainages are gradually becoming visible. The state government has been urged to take immediate action to support the affected residents and prevent further disasters.
In the midst of this chaos, residents are calling for urgent intervention to safe their lives and properties. The government is expected to provide emergency relief materials and facilities to the affected people.
With the city’s infrastructure still recovering from the previous flood disaster, the need for sustained humanitarian assistance is more pressing than ever.
