Editor
By Fatima Saka
Intense flooding has completely isolated Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, from the rest of the state due to the rupture of the Alau Dam.
The Alau Dam, located in the Alau community of the Konduga local government area of Borno State in the Northeast region of Nigeria, was built between 1984 and 1986.
The flooding has resulted in numerous unfortunate incidents, such as the loss of livestock, closure of businesses and schools, as the floods have engulfed the capital of Borno.
Residents are living in fear as crocodiles, snakes, and other hazardous animals have taken control of the affected areas, particularly in the vicinity of the Post Office and Monday Market near the Shehu Kyarimi Park (Zoo).
Reports indicate that, in addition to the Shehu’s palace, certain sections of the University of Maiduguri and its Teaching Hospital, Gwange, Moromoro, State Low Cost, 500 Abbagana housing estate, the popular Monday Market, Lagos Streets, NUJ Centre, and Government House have been submerged. This has led to millions of people being displaced, with property worth billions of naira being destroyed.
At the time of reporting, thousands of individuals had evacuated some of their belongings to safer areas like Bulumkutu, Gomari Airport, and Tashan Baga, while victims are pleading for government assistance.
The Borno State Government has announced the closure of all government and private schools for a two-week period due to the widespread flooding being experienced across the state.
A statement released by the Ministry of Education Science, Technology, and Innovation on Monday indicated that the closure was prompted by a visit to the Alau dam, a significant water reservoir fed by sources from Lake Chad.
The Alau Dam embankment has experienced leaks as a result of heavy rainfall, causing floods in most communities along riverine and flood-prone areas.
In a related development, the Bauchi state government has confirmed that this year’s floods have led to 24 fatalities and severely impacted 16 local government areas within the state.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Wanka, reported that 163 individuals have been severely injured, and 122,330 households have been displaced.
Furthermore, the floods have blocked 12 major roads, primarily in the northern regions of the state.
Report also revealed that 60 culverts have been washed away, 52,035 houses have been destroyed, and 178 electric poles have collapsed. The floods have also resulted in the loss of 11,183 livestock.
