Residents along the banks of River Yedseram in Maiduguri, Borno State are living in fear as the river has overflowed its banks, causing flooding in several areas.
The situation has been compounded by reports that the Alau Dam, which is now at full capacity, may soon be opened to release excess water into the river, potentially worsening the flooding.
Several buildings and farmlands in Gwange Ward of Maiduguri have already been submerged, with more areas at risk. A stream known as Ngaddabul, which also flows through the city, has 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.”
READ ALSO : N-HYPPADEC urges Federal Government to declare emergency in states ravaged by flooding
In Bulabulin Ward, resident Abubakar Ibrahim disclosed that some locals have begun evacuating the area as the floodwaters continue to rise and expand.
In response to the growing crisis, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani visited the Alau Dam to assess the situation. He assured residents that the state government is collaborating with the Chad Basin Development Authority, which manages the dam, to implement safety measures.
Heavy rainfall in recent days has led to widespread flooding across several local government areas, including Biu, Chibok, Konduga, Bama, Dikwa, and Jere, exacerbating concerns for Maiduguri’s vulnerable communities.
Credible News recalls that the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, recently urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in states severely affected by flooding to mitigate its devastating impact.
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