Maiduguri Flooding Begins to Subside; NEMA Updates on Response and Recovery Efforts Following Alau Dam Spillway Failure
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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that the severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State is now beginning to subside. According to their latest update, the situation is improving and normalcy is gradually returning to the city.
On Thursday, Zubaida Umar, the Director General of NEMA, provided an update on the severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State. In her statement, she noted that the flooding, which is being described as the worst in Nigeria’s history, is now beginning to recede, and conditions in the city are slowly returning to normal.An aerial view from September 10, 2024, captures people navigating through floodwaters beside submerged homes in Maiduguri.
In response to the situation, Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, emphasized that while significant progress is being made, the agency’s emergency response, monitoring, and assessment efforts are ongoing. She highlighted the importance of providing updates despite the continued challenges.
An aerial view from September 10, 2024, captures people navigating through floodwaters beside submerged homes in Maiduguri. In response to the situation, Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, emphasized that while significant progress is being made, the agency’s emergency response, monitoring, and assessment efforts are ongoing. She highlighted the importance of providing updates despite the continued challenges.
“Firstly, it is reassuring to note that the floodwaters in Maiduguri are starting to recede, and normalcy is gradually returning to the city.”
Umar also noted that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
She stated, “Disaster victims are currently being temporarily sheltered at the eight camps established by the State Government.”
“Our preliminary assessment estimates that more than 400,000 individuals have been affected by the flooding,” she said. “Thanks to the support of the armed forces, paramilitary units, civil society organizations, humanitarian partners, and the residents of Borno State, victims who have been evacuated from the flooded areas and are not in the camps are being housed by relatives in safer, elevated locations.”
She also noted that, to mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases associated with flooding, NEMA has deployed three water purification trucks to Maiduguri and is working with chemical companies to ensure the purification of household water.
“We have also advised the public to remain vigilant for harmful aquatic animals, including snakes, that may be drawn to the waterlogged environment,” she added.
“While we assure the community that the government has begun mobilizing resources for recovery and will continue to do so, we are committed to providing ongoing support to ensure the safety and welfare of everyone, both within and outside the camps.”
The flooding was triggered by a failure in the spillway of the Alau Dam.
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