Some of the residents who spoke to SaharaReporters on Tuesday morning confirmed that the widespread flooding had submerged several houses, major roads, and official buildings including Emir’s palace.
Hundreds of residents are currently trapped as a devastating flood hit Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, and other surrounding communities during the early hours of Tuesday, SaharaReporters has gathered.
Some of the residents who spoke to SaharaReporters on Tuesday morning confirmed that the widespread flooding had submerged several houses, major roads, and official buildings including Emir’s palace.
“Nobody could sleep because the water is too much. Our house was filled with water and we have to look for where to survive. In my community here, many people are trapped inside the water because not everyone can swim and nobody can help them. The emergency agency is overwhelmed because they also have to deal with flood in their facilities. No place is safe currently in Maiduguri,” one of the sources told SaharaReporters.
The sources attributed the floods to the breakdown of Alau Dam and this claim was confirmed by the State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security in a press statement he issued on Tuesday morning.
The commissioner 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."
The flood also affected the zoo in the state as many wild animals were seen roaming with the people, trying to escape the disaster.
“Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, is experiencing flood levels not seen since 1994.
It has affected the zoo in the capital, with wild animals seen on the streets,” @NigeriaStories wrote.
Sarki wrote: “Please keep the people of Maiduguri in your prayers. The entire state, including the Emir's palace, has been flooded.
NTA International wrote: “Maiduguri, the capital of #Borno State, is experiencing flood levels not seen since 1994. This phenomenon has affected the zoo in the capital, with wild animals seen on the streets.
Ijasini wrote: “A boy is stranded on the solar pole with no one to rescue him.”
Amyrahtuwrote: “The ongoing flood in Maiduguri is as a result of overflow water at Alau dam affecting areas with less vegetation. May Allah help all the flood victims.”
_FJ🇱🇷🇳🇬 wrote: “The City of Maiduguri is flooded.... Please pray for Maiduguri metropolis, and also other local governments and villages. We are hearing reports of floods as well.”
Jalo Abba wrote: “Maiduguri is experiencing one the most devastating floods in recent memory. An area I visited late last night with no signs of flood became completely flooded by 2am in the dead of the night. Almost all major roads have been flooded & cut off. May God grant relief to the poor.”
BAKURA_MONGUNO wrote: “Innalillahi😭 Maiduguri town is currently experiencing severe flooding tonight😭. People are stranded and struggling to cope. I'm deeply distressed by what I'm witnessing right now.”
Obi Divine wrote: “Maiduguri is enduring one of the worst floods in recent memory. Major roads are submerged, leaving many cut off. Praying for swift relief for those in need. May God comfort the struggling and bring hope to the affected.”
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