NEMA Update: Flood Levels In Maiduguri Falling, City Returning To Normal

NEMA Update: Flood Levels In Maiduguri Falling, City Returning To Normal

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has announced that the severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State is starting to recede, with normalcy beginning to return to the city.

In a statement released on Thursday, NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, provided an update on the ongoing situation, noting that this is the most severe flooding event in Nigeria’s history.

Umar stated, “While our work is far from complete and our continuous emergency response, monitoring, and assessment efforts persist, it’s crucial to share some progress reports.”

She continued, “It’s reassuring to see that flood levels in Maiduguri are decreasing and normalcy is gradually resuming in the area. However, search and rescue operations are still underway.”

According to Umar, displaced individuals are currently being housed in eight camps established by the State Government.

“Our preliminary estimates indicate that over 400,000 people have been affected. With the assistance of the armed forces, paramilitary, civil society organizations, humanitarian partners, and local residents, those evacuated from flooded areas and not in the camps are being accommodated by relatives in safer locations.”

NEMA is also taking steps to prevent water-borne diseases associated with flooding by deploying three water purification trucks to the city and collaborating with chemical companies to purify household water.

“We have advised the public to stay vigilant for harmful aquatic animals, including snakes, that may be present in the flooded areas,” Umar added. “The government is mobilizing resources to support recovery efforts and will continue to provide necessary assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of those both in and outside the camps.”

The flooding resulted from a breach in the Alau Dam’s spillway.