A catastrophic flood has struck Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, forcing numerous residents to abandon their homes. The Alau Dam, which had been at full capacity for a week, collapsed early Tuesday.
The hardest-hit areas include Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin. Social media videos show the flood sweeping through streets, compelling residents to seek higher ground.
The disaster also affected the state zoo, releasing wild animals – including snakes, crocodiles, and ostriches – from their enclosures into the streets.
The sudden influx of displaced residents and wild animals on the loose has created a precarious situation in Maiduguri.
In a statement on Tuesday, Usman Tar, the state commissioner for information and internal security, issued a flooding alert, urging the immediate evacuation of those living along the riverbanks.
Tar also urged residents of the affected areas to follow evacuation routes to ensure safe passage.
“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 said.
“The Alau Dam water has broken down another channel that is currently destroying farms and the water is heading toward the river bank.”
NAN reports that the last time the dam collapsed was in 1994, which led to unprecedented flooding in Maiduguri, with nearly half of the town submerged.
