The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that the Borno State government has opened various camps to accommodate thousands of people currently stranded on the streets of Maiduguri due to flooding.
NEMA’s Zonal Acting Coordinator for the North East Zone, Surajo Garba, who made this disclosure during an interview with Daily Trust on Tuesday, 10 September, 2024, attributed the incident to torrential rainfall and collapse of Alao Dam.
Garba warned residents of riverine areas to vacate their homes immediately, just as he also added that efforts were underway to support the affected communities.
“Thousands of people are stranded and trapped in water. We are making efforts with other stakeholders to see how we can rescue them.
“As it stands now, the state government has opened displaced persons camps. The camps include Bakassi camp, Dalori, stadium, and other public schools on the higher grounds for the affected populace to accommodate them.
“The situation is saddening and pathetic. We pray things get better in the next couple of days.
“We have sent emergency request to our headquarters to provide emergency needs like non-foods items and others items to support the effected populace.
“The flood has affected over 50 locations like Kalari, Budum, Millionaire’s quarters, part of GRA, Allamin Dagash, Gwange, Bulabulin, and host of other areas,” Garba said.