WorldStage Newsonline– Residents of Maiduguri in Borno are on high alert as flood has submerged many homes following the alleged breakdown of Alau Dam that has been filled to capacity for the past one week.
A statement in the early hours of Tuesday by Prof. Usman Tar, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, titled “Flooding Alert for River Bank Residents “, called for immediate evacuation.
He said, “Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, we urge all the residents living along the river bank to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties.
“The Alau Dam water has broken down another channel that is currently destroying farms and the water is heading toward the river bank.”
Tar also urged the residents of the affected areas to follow evacuation routes to ensure safe passage.
The last time the dam had such a problem was in 1994, resulting in unprecedented flooding in Maiduguri when almost half of the town was flooded.
TINUBU PLEDGES FEDERAL SUPPORT
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern about the flooding in parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
The worst flood in recent decades has displaced thousands of residents and affected facilities such as the Post office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
President Tinubu in a statement extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the State, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.
While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the President called for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas.
President Tinubu assured Governor Babagana Umara Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.
He ordered the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims.
“The President remains committed to mobilising federal resources to support the state during this difficult time,” the statement said.
