Two days after the devastating flood that rocked Maiduguri the Borno State capital, the impact of the flood is still being felt as many people are still being trapped in their homes and on rooftops.
The director of planning, research and forecasting of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Onimode Bandele provides an update on the current situation in the state.
He says over 400,000 households have been displaced due to the flood.
The director also mentioned that he was unable to ascertain the exact number of deaths and fatalities, as a result of the possibility of the flood bringing back buried bodies.
Based on the report he received from the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), he added that four body bags had been retrieved.
“Concerning fatalities, I spoke with the Zonal Coordinator in Maiduguri and the DG of SEMA in Borno State who confirmed that he collected 4 body bags to be used for people who died. So there are still conflicting reports of the fatalities because some people claim that the flood that occurred exhumed some bodies from burial sites, that way we cannot confirm until the water recedes very well,” he said.
He noted that the number of displaced camps has increased from 4 to 9
“As at the onset of the incident, we had 4 camps but as of yesterday these camps have increased to 9 to accommodate the evacuated populations,” Bandele said.
People Trapped on Rooftops
In line with the videos making rounds on social media, Bandele confirmed that up till now there are still several people that are yet to be rescued from rooftops.
He also pointed out that currently several people are still trapped in DSS quarters and 505 housing estate
“The latest report we got this morning was that the people who live at 505 and DSS quarters are still trapped, so efforts are ongoing to get the people out.
“Unfortunately, that is the situation for now, and unfortunately, the people on the rooftop, but efforts are ongoing so that the Search and Rescue team with the support of the Disaster Response Unit can get to those people and evacuate them to safety,” he added.
Speaking on the ongoing rescue plans, he disclosed that the military are currently using trucks to rescue victims, noting that the NEMA helicopter is currently unavailable.
“What we are doing with the military is the use of heavy equipment such as trucks to get the people who are stranded to safe haven.
“NEMA has called for more reinforcement of local divers, we have had to mobilize resources like engine boats from the neighbouring state of Yobe.”
He affirmed that the government is currently deploying food and medical aid to the evacuated population.
