A devastating flood in Maiduguri, Borno State, has displaced over one million people, according to Governor Professor Babagana Zulum. The flood, caused by the overflow of Alo Dam and heavy rainfall, has left many without shelter or basic necessities.
During a visit to the Bakassi IDP camp, Zulum donated cash and pledged to provide food and other essentials to the displaced persons. Vendors have been contracted to feed those in the camp.
The Federal Government has donated ₦3bn to aid in the flood response, which will be used to address the challenges posed by the disaster.
To mitigate the effects of the flood, the government will establish a health committee to monitor for disease outbreaks and take preventive measures. Search and rescue operations are underway to determine the number of lives lost, and data is being collected on affected persons.
In the long term, the government plans to reconstruct the Alo Dam to increase its water capacity and demolish structures built on riverine and water-prone areas to prevent future flooding.
Zulum attributed the flood to a combination of heavy rainfall and the release of water from dams in Cameroon, which caused the Alo Dam to overflow. He emphasized the need for measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
