Residents of Maiduguri in Borno State have been placed on high alert after severe flooding submerged several homes, following the reported breach of the Alau Dam.
The dam, which had reached its full capacity over the past week, has now overflowed, leading to widespread concern.
In an urgent statement released early Tuesday, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar called for immediate evacuation of residents living near the riverbanks. The statement, titled “Flooding Alert for Riverbank Residents,” warned of imminent danger as water levels continue to rise.
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”.
He also disclosed that the dam’s overflow has created an additional water channel, now sweeping through farms and moving towards residential areas. The commissioner urged residents in affected zones to follow designated evacuation routes to ensure their safety.
A similar incident was in 1994, when the dam last experienced such a breach, resulting in massive flooding that submerged nearly half of Maiduguri. Authorities fear the current situation could lead to comparable devastation if precautionary measures are not swiftly taken.
READ ALSO: Fear grips Maiduguri residents as river Yedseram overflows bank
Credible News recalls residents along the banks of River Yedseram in Maiduguri have been living in fear as the river had overflowed its banks, causing flooding in several areas.
The situation had been compounded by reports that the Alau Dam, which was at full capacity, was to be opened to release excess water into the river, potentially worsening the flooding.
Several buildings and farmlands in Gwange Ward of Maiduguri had been submerged, with more areas at risk. A stream known as Ngaddabul, which also flows through the city, had flooded properties in the Maduganari Ward, further adding to the distress of local residents.
Mustapha Ali, a resident of Gwange expressed his fears, stating that “we are in distress and afraid that more rainfall or the release of excess water from the dam could bring more devastation. Areas like the customs area, College of Agriculture, and 505 estates are already experiencing severe flooding.”
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