Over one million people have been displaced by severe flooding in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, according to Governor Babagana Zulum.
The governor confirmed this on Wednesday during a visit to the Bakassi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, located along Biu-Damboa road in Maiduguri, where many displaced persons have sought refuge.
In response to the disaster, Governor Zulum announced the provision of cash donations, food, and other essential supplies to support those affected.
Additionally, vendors have been contracted to provide meals for the displaced individuals in the camp.
The governor also acknowledged the receipt of ₦3 billion in flood intervention funds from the Federal Government, which will be used to address the ongoing crisis.
He further stated that a health committee would be formed to monitor and prevent potential outbreaks of diseases caused by the floods.
Zulum revealed that search and rescue operations were underway across affected communities to assess the number of lives lost, and data collection on the displaced persons was being initiated.
He attributed the flooding to this year’s heavy rainfall and the overflow of the Alo Dam, worsened by water released from dams in Cameroon.
The governor explained that urban development had obstructed natural water channels in Maiduguri, exacerbating the flooding.
As part of long-term solutions, Zulum announced plans to reconstruct the Alo Dam to increase its capacity and ordered the demolition of structures built in flood-prone areas to prevent future occurrences.
