The Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has successfully rescued 3,683 individuals trapped in their homes due to severe flooding in Maiduguri. The Director-General of SEMA, Barkindo Mohammed, revealed on Friday that the rescue operations, which began on Thursday afternoon, are ongoing. The efforts involve various resources including motorboats, canoes, divers, military and fire service trucks.
Mohammed indicated that approximately two million people have been affected by the flooding. SEMA has established 14 official camps and numerous informal shelters for displaced persons. The Federal Government has provided ₦3 billion in support, with additional funds from Governor Babagana Zulum. This assistance aims to support both Maiduguri and other affected Local Government Areas within the state.
The flooding has been exacerbated by the collapse of the Alau Dam on the Ngadda River, which reached capacity due to unusually heavy rainfall. The state government anticipates that the death toll may increase as the situation develops.