The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has announced that the severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, is beginning to recede, with normalcy gradually returning to the city.
NEMA Director General, Zubaida Umar, provided this update on Thursday, describing it as a positive development in what has been the worst flood event in Nigeria’s history.
In her statement, Umar said, “Although our work is far from over, and our emergency response, monitoring, and assessment efforts continue around the clock, it’s important to share some updates.
The flood levels in Maiduguri are receding, and normalcy is slowly returning to the metropolis.”
She noted that search and rescue operations are still ongoing and that victims of the disaster are being temporarily housed in eight camps set up by the Borno State Government.
Umar explained, “Our preliminary assessment estimates that over 400,000 people have been affected. With the help of the armed forces, paramilitary units, civil society organizations, humanitarian partners, and the supportive residents of Borno State, displaced persons who are not in the camps are being accommodated by relatives in safer, higher areas.”
To prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases typically associated with flooding, NEMA has deployed three water purification trucks to the city and is collaborating with chemical companies to ensure the safety of household water supplies. “We have also warned residents to remain cautious of aquatic animals, particularly snakes, that may have found the floodwaters conducive,” Umar added.
She reassured the public that the government is mobilizing resources to support recovery efforts and will continue providing necessary assistance to safeguard the well-being of affected residents, both within and outside the camps.
The flooding was triggered by a broken spillway from the Alau Dam.
