Sam Kaye
Many residents were seen running away from their homes as the approaching flood water from Alau dam threatened their lives even as it destroys their properties in its trail.
Most residents along the famous Bama road leading to the 40 year old Dam were the most affected as the water took over their environment and killed about eight of them returning from their farms.
A pharmacist name withheld whose home is deep inside the University of Maiduguri teaching hospital (UMTH) residential area regretted that the flood actually entered their home.
ASUU chieftain Professor Musa Abdullahi however told this reporter that the campus of the University of Maiduguri was quite peaceful with no flood inside.
Register of the institution Ahmed Lawan has since issued a circular suspending academic activities until further notice when the situation improves.
Due to the raging flood maiduguri has since been in an emergency situation from Saturday as the Alau Dam about 20 km away burst it’s banks and overflowed due to massive rainfall forcing the water to reach its maximum level.
The dam which is the source of pipe borne water in the city has been responsible also for a lot of irrigation activities down stream thereby supporting the population of the capital.
Residents of Fori, Tashan Bama, and other affected areas in Dala up stream which used to be on high alert now have to flee for dear lives as the volume of water has covered most of their roof tops.
Some residents who spoke to this reporter called for residents to pray that God will intervene and see residents through this challenging time.
“The situation is critical, and we urge everyone to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Let us come together to support those affected and work towards mitigating the impact of this flood.”
Trouble started for residents in the capital who never expected the rage of the flood when about midnight yesterday, they had to run away from their residences to avoid the water which became suspiciously high.
“I live close to my shop where I sell dried fish and we never expected the water to be this much as at one am this morning. I had to cling to my building while water came up to my neck level waiting for help in the morning. It was in the morning that some people helped us to the top of the customs bridge where we waited until we got safe landing ” said Modu a fish seller.
Warnings before the rage of the flood water
Some government officials had warned residents with several posts to alert them of the pending danger but most of them did not think it would this bad almost rivaling the flood of 1994.
One of the post read: “Good morning I just received a call from a colleague at Laujeri community of Alau ward of Jere Local Government Area that the dam has burst and that water is heading towards Maiduguri.
“Please for the benefit of peace and tranquility, whoever that is living nearby a water route should vacate immediately Please. The water is coming with full force. Share this message with colleagues to save lives Please ” the post read.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum had directed the immediate activation of all relevant government resources and machinery ahead of further overflow of water due to the unprecedented high volume of rainfall this year.
This according to government house sources is to avert any flood disaster in Maiduguri, it’s environs and other parts of the state.
Zulum’s directive, became imperative due to rising concerns about the possible overflow of the Alau Dam, which recharges Maiduguri city’s water treatment plants for domestic use and irrigation.
The Governor noted with concern that the high volume of rain across parts of the state may possibly lead to flooding.
Zulum consequently instructed all relevant government agencies and local councils to dutifully discharge their responsibilities by continuously assessing vulnerable areas, implementing preventive measures, and conducting public awareness campaigns across all communities in their domains.
The Governor also cautioned the public to be conscious about the possible risks, be vigilant and abide by all directives from government agencies and constituted authorities on all emergency response protocols.
The Governor directed that all local government councils should mobilise all relevant officials and units to conduct site assessments in at-risk neighbourhoods and collaborate with relevant Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), community and religious leaders, and other opinion leaders and institutions.
He said that government has identified high-risk locations that are prone to flooding, and is implementing solutions such as constructing temporary barriers and establishing emergency evacuation routes.
“We cannot afford to be complacent in the face of this impending challenge”, Zulum was quoted as saying. “It is imperative that we should mobilize all our resources, engage all stakeholders across communities, and implement effective measures to safeguard our people.”
“We have a standing committee to mitigate flooding; which, has in the past evacuated and led to the construction of more drainages in different parts of the state. I have instructed more measures to avert any emergency health epidemic. We have also established the Agency for the Great Green Wall.”
“We have also de-silted, dredged and constructed concrete retaining walls around River Ngada to avert erosion that could possibly lead to flooding of Maiduguri and its environs.
“As part of the long-term measure, we intend to construct structures to harvest water for irrigation and embark on soil conservation, including reinforcement at the river banks and desilting of river Ngada to allow free passage of water.” He stressed.
… Borno SSG to Coordinate Emergency Response
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, is coordinating the flood emergency responses to ensure the Governor’s directives are fully implemented to ensure the safety of all residents.
The SSG has visited Alau Dam, Gongulong, Gwange, Farm Center, 505 Housing Estate and several other locations within the metropolis and environs to assess the situation and provide the necessary guidance to avert collosal damage from any possible flooding.
Many Nigerian states, including in the North-east have experienced flood disasters this year, which have been attributed to the unprecedented volume of rainfall this season.