Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, announced that one million people were affected by the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri. The flood, which hit on Tuesday, submerged large parts of the city and its surroundings.
While distributing relief materials, including cash and food, to displaced persons at Bukassi camp, Zulum expressed concern over the potential spread of waterborne diseases due to contaminated sewage systems. He stated that a Health Emergency Committee had been set up to prevent a flood-related epidemic.
Zulum revealed that search and rescue operations were underway, and data on the extent of the damage was being collected. He also confirmed receiving a N3 billion flood intervention fund from the Federal Government, which will be used to support the victims and address the challenges caused by the flood.
The governor attributed the flooding to climate change and heavy rainfall, which caused the Alau Dam to overflow. He promised that the dam would be reconstructed and that illegal structures along waterways would be demolished to prevent future disasters.