The widely reported flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, is now starting to subside, and the city is returning to normal, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Zubaida Umar, the Director General of NEMA, shared this update on Thursday, stating that it is the worst flooding event in Nigeria’s history.
“It’s important to provide some updates although our work is ongoing, and we continue with our round-the-clock emergency response, monitoring, and assessment.”
Umar said that while the flood level in Maiduguri is receding, the search and rescue operation is still ongoing. She also added that disaster victims are temporarily sheltered at eight camps provided by the State Government.
The preliminary assessment estimated that over a million individuals have been affected. With the help of various organisations and the people of Borno State, those evacuated from flooded areas not in the camps are accommodated by their relatives in safer areas.
As part of efforts to prevent water-borne diseases, NEMA has deployed three water purification trucks to the city and is collaborating with chemical companies to purify household water. People have also been alerted to be cautious about harmful aquatic animals, particularly snakes.
She also assured that the government would continue to mobilise resources for the recovery of the affected, adding that necessary support would continue to be provided to ensure the safety and welfare of those in and outside camps.
A broken spillway from the Alau Dam mainly caused the flooding in Maiduguri.