Residents of Maiduguri, Borno, are on high alert after heavy flooding submerged many homes following the breakdown of Alau Dam, which had been at full capacity for the past week.
A statement issued early Tuesday by Prof. Usman Tar, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, underlined the urgency of the situation. Tar’s message, titled “Flooding Alert for River Bank Residents,” urged immediate evacuation for those living along the riverbank.
Tar stated, “Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, we advise all residents along the riverbank to take immediate action to safeguard themselves and their properties. The Alau Dam has breached another channel, causing destruction to farms and directing water toward the riverbank.”
Residents in affected areas are advised to follow designated evacuation routes for their safety.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) notes that a similar issue with the dam last occurred in 1994, resulting in severe flooding that affected almost half of Maiduguri.