Maiduguri flood: Borno gov pledges relief as NEMA opens IDP camps

Maiduguri flood: Borno gov pledges relief as NEMA opens IDP camps

Abdullateef Fowewe

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has pledged immediate relief support for victims of the devastating floods that have recently affected Maiduguri, Borno State.

The floods, which occurred on Monday, September 9, have submerged homes and displaced thousands caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, have been described as the worst in over three decades, impacting around 70% of the city.

During a visit to the affected areas, Zulum expressed his deep sympathy for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. He assured residents that the state government is working closely with federal agencies to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to those in need.

“I am disturbed by the calamity that befell us on Monday, resulting from the increased volume. We are doing everything possible to provide relief to our people.

“We will provide all the necessary relief support to you, and we will ensure you return to your houses as soon as the situation improves for the best,” Zulum wrote on his social media handle on Wednesday.

In the last couple of days, many states in the northeast have experienced flood disasters this year which have been attributed to the high volume of rainfall.

In a similar vein, areas in Chad and Cameroon Republics that are prone to flooding share borders with communities in Borno State.

However, the National Emergency Management Agency has according to a report Dailyeconomy obtained on Wednesday, opened three Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to accommodate those displaced by the floods.

Vice President Kashim Shettima also visited Maiduguri to assess the situation, emphasising the federal government’s commitment to support the state. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive response plan to address the immediate humanitarian needs and to mitigate future flood risks.