Zulum Describes Maiduguri Flood As Devastating
- NEMA Deploys Additional Resources For Search And Rescue
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who visited the camps housing victims of Monday’s devastating flood in Maiduguri, has described it as a monumental disaster.
His visit came at the same time that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced the deployment of additional search and rescue personnel and facilities to help with the ongoing rescue of Maiduguri residents trapped in their homes due to the city’s devastating flood disaster.
According to a statement issued by the Borno State Government House Press Unit, Zulum sympathised with the victims and assured them of proper care until the water receded and people could return to their homes.
He stated, “I am disturbed by the calamity that befell us on Monday, which was caused by the increased volume. We are doing everything we can to provide relief to our people.
“We will provide you with all of the relief you require, and we will ensure that you return to your homes as soon as the situation improves for the better.”
According to the statement, in recent days, many northeastern states have experienced flood disasters due to the high volume of rainfall.
It also stated that flood-prone areas in the Republics of Chad and Cameroon share a border with communities in Borno State.
Meanwhile, Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has activated the deployment of additional search and rescue personnel and facilities to strengthen the ongoing rescue of Maiduguri residents who have been trapped in their homes due to the city’s devastating flood disaster.
Manzo Ezekiel of the agency’s Press Unit stated on Wednesday, saying
In addition to the search and rescue operation, the agency has warned of the possibility of a waterborne epidemic caused by flood contamination of household water, and in light of this, the agency has been providing safe clean water to temporary shelters provided for displaced residents impacted by flooding, including Bakassi camp.
Ezekiel stated that since the flooding began last weekend as a result of heavy rains in the city and the subsequent deluge caused by the overflowing of Alau dam, the agency, through its North East zonal office, has been collaborating with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders to conduct search and rescue operations as well as rapid assessments for appropriate assistance to those affected.
Ezekiel recalled that Vice President Kashim Shettima led a high-powered Federal Government delegation, including the DG NEMA, to the flood-ravaged Maiduguri metropolis on Tuesday for an on-the-spot assessment and to express condolences to the people and government of Borno.
He noted that the Vice President while addressing the displaced persons currently seeking refuge at the Bakkasi camp provided by the State Government, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to assisting affected individuals and communities, as well as ensuring that recovery efforts reach every corner impacted by the flood disaster.
He also stated that the delegation paid a visit to the palace of Borno’s Shehu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi.
