FG consoles Borno people as flood ravaged Maiduguri environs

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its deepest sympathies to the Govt and people of Borno State over devastating flooding that has ravaged Maiduguri and its environs following the unfortunate overflow of the Alau Dam.

Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris who on behalf of the Federal Government disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday shared the profound grief and suffering of all those affected by this catastrophe.

The Minister said, “This tragedy has destroyed properties, homes, and critical infrastructure, as well as displaced families and disrupted the livelihoods of countless individuals.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, especially those who have lost their means of livelihood and homes. We stand with the families who have been displaced and deeply empathise with their pain and distress during this trying time”.

The Minister stated that the Federal Government, under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is acutely aware of the magnitude of the challenges posed by this disaster.

And that the President has since directed all relevant ministries, agencies to collaborate with Borno State Government in mobilising the necessary resources to provide urgent relief and assistance to those affected by the unfortunate incident.
“While we mourn the losses, the federal government reposes confidence in the strength and resilience of the people of Borno State, which have been demonstrated over the years.

“We do not doubt that, with the assistance of the government and the people of Nigeria, they will overcome this tragedy”, the Minister added.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that over 200,000 people were displaced with unspecified number of people, including children are still missing many properties including, houses, farmlands and business places have also been destroyed.
Seventy per cent of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has been submerged by the fast-moving waters, according to National Emergency Management Agency, while the flood also ravaged other major city locations, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Umar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, the state secretariat, post office, cemetery.

“Some locations that I personally know and consider to be high ground, from the report we received, already underwater, including Lagos Street, the market area, the palace of the Shehu of Borno, at least the front of the palace, we can see water there,” NEMA spokesman.

“About 70 per cent of the town is already underwater. So, many people are trapped as the flood intensified when people were sleeping; some people woke up to discover that they were inside water.”

The NEMA spokesperson said Borno’s flat ground geology made it easier for water to flow into passage areas in Maiduguri city, adding that the flood began after the Alau Dam overflowed following heavy rains.

“The overflow of the main source of the dam in Borno State, called Alau Dam, has brought the city to be underwater since last weekend. So, our attention now and our energy geared towards providing necessary support, by way of search and rescue, and supporting people that have been impacted”.