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Tag: Flood

  • 80% of animals in Maduguri Zoo killed by flood- Zoo Manager

    80% of animals in Maduguri Zoo killed by flood- Zoo Manager

    80 per cent of animals in the Maiduguri Zoo’s popularity known as Sanda Kyarimi Zoo Park, have died as a result of the reported floods in Borno State.

    According to the General Manager of the zoo, Ali Abatcha, while 80 per cent of the animals in the zoo have been killed by the flood, others have escaped into the city capital.

    This is as a report released by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said the flooding in the zoo has reportedly led to some wild animals, including crocodiles and snakes, escaping their enclosures.

    Flooding is reportedly covering over 40 per cent of Maiduguri town, which has an estimated population of over 870,000, including the Muna and Jere IDP camps, with a combined population of approximately 230,000.

    On Tuesday, reports broke that some animals from the zoo, including snakes, crocodiles were seen in town.

    Although a lion was reported to have escaped, its whereabouts is yet to be known as of press time.

    The Federal Government has begun the evacuation of residents of the affected communities in the flooding.

    A statement by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday, said it is also working on the provision of food, shelter and medical assistance for the victims.

    The unfortunate flooding situation in the Maiduguri metropolis of Borno State, which started last weekend and increased in the early hours of Monday, 9th September 2024, resulted from excess water from the Alau Dam.

    One of the spillways of Alau Dam collapsed, leading to a significant increase in water flow downstream and exacerbating the flooding in surrounding areas.

    As a result, NEMA said the Borno State Government has opened up Bakassi Camp to accommodate those displaced by the flood.

  • Yobe govt issues fresh flood alert to 9 LGAs

    Yobe govt issues fresh flood alert to 9 LGAs

    The Yobe State Government has issued a fresh flood alert to nine Local Government Areas of the state due to impending release of water from Dadinkowa and Lagdo dams. The LGAs are Nguru, Bade, Karasuwa, Jakusko, Yusufari, Geidam, Tarmuwa, Bursari, Machina, Gujba and Fune.

    Dr Mohammed Goje, Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), gave the warning in a statement in Damaturu on Tuesday. He noted that the release of water from the two dams would add to the predicaments of residents of the areas, who were already affected by recent flood triggered by days of torrential rain.

    “Yobe has experienced significant flooding between April 15 and Sept. 9 2024, causing widespread devastation across several local government areas. This advisory serves as an early warning alert for further flooding due likely impending discharge of water from Dadinkowa dam, Hadeja-Jama’are River, River Kamodugu, and Lagdo dam in Cameroon,” Goje said.

    The executive secretary advised residents of the areas to take precautionary measures, including moving to higher grounds to save their lives and property.

    “Stay informed by regularly listening to updates from traditional leaders, local government authorities and the state emergency management agency. Keep emergency contact details handy for quick access to response services,” he advised.

    Over 19,000 households across 432 communities have so far been hit by flood in the state.

  • Maiduguri flood: Prison forced to evacuate inmates

    Maiduguri flood: Prison forced to evacuate inmates

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) is working tirelessly to mitigate the devastating impact of recent flooding on its facilities in Maiduguri, Borno, particularly the Medium Security Custodial Centre. Abubakar Umar, Assistant Controller of Corrections and Service Public Relations Officer, stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. Umar attributed the flooding to the overflow and collapse of the Alau Dam in Konduga Local Government Area.

    Water from the collapsed dam has submerged various wards in the town, displacing thousands of residents seeking safer alternatives.

    Umar assured the public that the NCoS was taking necessary measures to ensure public safety, contrary to initial reports.

    “Our officers and men are working around the clock to ensure a smooth and secure transfer process. As the agency responsible for inmate safekeeping, we are taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety, including evacuating inmates to safer facilities, ensuring smooth operations, and collaborating with sister security agencies to provide support and assistance to those affected.”

    Umar appreciated the support and guidance from the Presidency and the Vice President’s visit to Maiduguri to assess the situation. He assured the public that the NCoS was committed to maintaining order and ensuring public safety during this challenging time.

    The last time the dam experienced a similar issue was in 1994, resulting in unprecedented flooding in Maiduguri, with almost half of the town submerged.

  • Maiduguri flood: Situation still terrible – SEMA

    Maiduguri flood: Situation still terrible – SEMA

    Mr Barkindo Mohammed, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has described the situation in flooded Maiduguri town as “terrible.” Water from Alau Dam, which collapsed early Tuesday morning, has continued to submerge various wards in the town while thousands of displaced residents are scouting for safer places. Mohammed said on Wednesday in Maiduguri that  the agency had since commenced rescue operations and distribution of sandbags.

    “Just now, we went for a rescue and proceeded to distribute sandbags in Gozari. As I am talking to you now I am trapped; we came to rescue some people and we are now trapped with my staff,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, hundreds of people are in the streets  with nowhere to go while some could be seen lying or sitting under tree shades with their families. Musa Abbas, with a family of two women and six children, said he had nowhere to go as his brothers were residing in the Bulumkutu area that needed one to cross the bridge.

    “The bridge is now submerged; I can’t cross and my brothers can only come for me. We will sleep here and continue to pray the rain won’t come,” Abbas said.

    Maiduguri flood: SEMA establishes 2 emergency relief centres

    Meanwhile, the Borno Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has opened two relief camps to cater for thousands of people displaced by flood in Maiduguri following Alau Dam overflow. Director-General of the agency, Mr Barkindo Mohammed, disclosed this in Maiduguri on Tuesday. He said the two camps – Bakassi and Dalori – situated along  Bama road, had the capacity to contain over 10,000 families. While describing the flood as an act of God Almighty, the D-G urged the residents to accept it “as a pre-destined event that nobody has the power to prevent it or question why”.

    Similarly, the State Government Committee on Flood under the coordination of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, has continued to focus on evacuation and provision of relief materials.

    Meanwhile, the Borno Network of Civil Society Organisations (NECSOB), has appealed for urgent assistance from all across Nigeria in support of the flood victims. The Executive Director of the network, Mr Bulama Abiso, said the victims were in dire need of support to cushion the effects of the traumatised situation.

    “A devastating flood has struck Maiduguri, leaving thousands of people homeless, without food, water, or shelter. The situation is dire, and we urgently need your assistance to provide relief to the affected communities,” Abiso pleaded.

    He said such support could be in the form of food and non-food items, medical and financial support.

    Maiduguri flood most catastrophic in 3 decades – Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima says, despite preparations, the severity of the floods in Maiduguri is most catastrophic in over three decades in the state capital. Shettima stated this on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the ravaging floods, in Maiduguri, Borno State. He said the impacts of the floods exceeded estimation, but assured that the Federal Government would prioritise the welfare of the affected communities. President Bola Tinubu had directed  Shettima to, immediately, visit Maiduguri, to assess the devastating flood in the state capital.

    ”The flood’s unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond our previous experiences. The disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, not just globally, but particularly to North East regions. Nigeria’s vulnerability to flood disasters has been highlighted time and again, as witnessed during the devastating floods of 2012, 2018, and 2022.

    ”The factors contributing to these recurring disasters are diverse, and it is for this reason that Tinubu has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges headlong. Nonetheless, the Federal Government remains determined in its commitment,” he said.

    Shettima said, as with other states facing similar crises, the government is resolute in mobilising all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected persons. Shettima, who commiserated with victims of the flood disaster, expressed the deepest sympathies of Tinubu to the victims.

    ”I am deeply devastated by the flood that has engulfed Maiduguri and its environs. My heart goes out to the families who have tragically lost their homes and livelihoods in this calamity. Our grief is shared, but so is our resolve to offer support and comfort as you begin to recover from this disaster. Now, more than ever, we are compelled as a nation to come together to overcome the losses suffered, and we are committed to finding lasting solutions to this recurring issue,” he said.

    The vice president added: “The flood, which began over the weekend and worsened in the following days, was the direct result of excess water from the Alau Dam.

    ”The collapse of the spillways unleashed a significant surge of water downstream, causing widespread flooding in the surrounding communities. As we speak, efforts are ongoing to evacuate and resettle residents in the affected areas, while ensuring the provision of food, shelter, and medical assistance until the situation stabilises”.

    Shettima said in response to the 2024 flood Outlook, government had implemented comprehensive contingency plans and adopted proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts. According to him, the government intensified its interventions in flood-prone areas characterised by erratic rainfall patterns and complex river basin dynamics.

    He said the areas had been prioritised in flood mitigation strategies to safeguard communities, protect agricultural zones, and reinforce critical infrastructure. He commended the government of Borno State for its swift and effective response to this tragic situation.

    ”I also want to acknowledge the remarkable resilience of the good people of Maiduguri and surrounding areas, who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion by being their neighbours’ keepers. I am in Maiduguri to oversee the implementation of comprehensive flood mitigation measures.

    ”We will overcome this tragedy as long as our resolve remains strong, as long as we remain united, as long as we remain compassionate, and as long as we prioritise strategic actions to emerge from this even stronger than ever,” he assured.

  • Speaker Abbas laments over Maiduguri flood, calls for immediate action

    Speaker Abbas laments over Maiduguri flood, calls for immediate action

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has lamented the flood that ravaged Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, between Monday and Tuesday.

    Flood took over most parts of Maiduguri following a downpour that led to the collapse of the Alao Dam. The palace of the Shehu of Borno, among other key places, was reportedly affected by the ravaging flood.

    Also, thousands of people were displaced by the flood.

    Speaker Abbas, who expressed dismay at the flood, called for concerted efforts to provide succour to the affected residents.

    The Speaker said, “I am disturbed by the news of the ravaging flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. This is a situation that calls for concern to every well-meaning Nigerian.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with the people and government of Borno State at this trying moment,” the Speaker said, adding that “My heart goes out to the people of Maiduguri.”

    He said, “I call on all the government agencies responsible for providing quick intervention in times of such emergencies to swing into action for the sake of the affected people.”

    The Speaker equally called on the residents of other cities in the country where weather forecasts by relevant authorities indicated there would be floods in the coming days and weeks to take heed.

  • Floods hit Maiduguri zoo, animals suddenly break free

    Floods hit Maiduguri zoo, animals suddenly break free

    Residents around Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Maiduguri, Borno State, trying to escape flooding are now thrown into confusion as some animals in the zoo have started coming out.

    According to reports, an Ostrich and a crocodile have already escaped as the flood rages on, raising fears that others like elephants, lions, and snakes domiciled in the zoo may find their way out at any moment.

    While one of the crocodiles that escaped was found dead after it was attacked by some unidentified person, the Ostrich has been wandering.

    When contacted, the Director, Forest and Wildlife, Mr Ayuba Peter, who said the incident took them unawares, confirmed that the Zoo Manager had intimated him about the recent development.

    Peter said roads around the area have been blocked to stop human movement, while wildlife staff were patrolling to pick any animal that escaped, particularly the carnivores.

    Meanwhile, a reliable source in the zoo told NAN that about 80 per cent of the animals in the zoo, particularly the carnivores who can’t escape due to their locked facility are dead, while others like snakes and crocodiles have been washed away by the flood.

    The raging flood from the collapsed Alau Dam has continued to submerged many areas in Maiduguri and environs.

  • Flood: Borno govt closes schools for 2 weeks

    Flood: Borno govt closes schools for 2 weeks

    The Borno State Government has announced the closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state for two weeks due to floods that had displaced many residents.

    A statement on Monday by the Acting Director, Schools Services, Grema Bulama, said the development had displaced some people across the state.

    “Due to the ongoing flooding across the state and its adverse effects, the Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation has directed a statewide closure of all schools, both public and private, until Monday, Sept. 23.

    “We urge all concerned parties to comply strictly with this directive. We regret any inconvenience this notice may have caused and we appreciate your understanding,” the  statement added.

    Schools were initially scheduled to open in Borno on Monday,  Sept. 9, but some of the schools were occupied by people displaced by the flood.

    There was a mild drama in Gwange Ward of Maiduguri, when people displaced by floods resisted attempts by government officials to make them vacate a school where they have been taking refuge since last week.

    Meanwhile, the Borno Government has constituted a flood emergency response committee under the coordination of the Secretary to the State Government,  Alhaji Bukar Tijjani.

  • Maiduguri flooded as Alau dam breaks down

    Maiduguri flooded as Alau dam breaks down

    Residents of Maiduguri in Borno are on high alert as flood has submerged many homes following the alleged breakdown of Alau Dam that has been filled to capacity for the past one week.

    A statement in the early hours of Tuesday by Prof. Usman Tar, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, titled “Flooding Alert for River Bank Residents “, called for immediate evacuation.

    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.

    “The Alau Dam water has broken down another channel that is currently destroying farms and the water is heading toward the river bank.”

    Tar also urged the residents of the affected areas to follow evacuation routes to ensure safe passage.

    Meanwhile, it was gathered that Milionaires Quarters around Gamboru ward and it’s environs are already consumed by the flood. Also, the popular Lagos bridge and the Moduganari by pass bridge are all filled and the bridges are already flooded.

    The zoo road is being flooded with water and it’s gushing to college of health technology Maiduguri. Students were already relocated to school of nursing while the water is already going towards the commissioner of police junction via Damboa Road.

    Shehu Sanda Kyarimi park the popular Maiduguri Zoo is also submerged at wee hours of the night forcing staff to relocate to safety.

    The last time the dam had such a problem was in 1994,  resulting in unprecedented flooding in Maiduguri when almost half of the town was flooded.

  • How flood destroyed N7.8bn properties in Bauchi – SEMA

    How flood destroyed N7.8bn properties in Bauchi – SEMA

    The Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has said that more than N7.81 billion farmlands and properties were destroyed to flooding in 16 local government areas of the State.

    Mr Adamu Nayola, the Director, Planning, Research, and Statistics of the agency, stated this in an interview on Monday in Bauchi. Nayola attributed the devastating flood to heavy downpours in the last two months in the northern parts of the state.

    “The floods, which affected communities in 16 hard-hit local government areas, destroyed and damaged houses, farmlands, roads, electricity poles, and domestic animals. This resulted in significant economic losses. Unfortunately, the disaster also claimed several lives with many others injured,” he said.

    He listed the affected areas to include Giade; Shira, Katagum, Gamawa, Zaki, Kirfi, Dambam, Alkaleri, Darazo, Itas Gadau, Toro, Bauchi, Misau, Jama’are, Warji and Ganjuwa.

    According to Nayola, the agency is distributing relief items to the affected communities, adding that the state government was working to assist the victims and mitigate flooding.

    While sympathising with the victims, Nayola urged the people in the flood prone areas to relocate to higher grounds to avert the disaster.

  • Flood kills 20, displaces 2,000 in Yobe

    Flood kills 20, displaces 2,000 in Yobe

    Twenty persons have died as a result of devastating floods that ravaged Bade Local Government Area of Yobe since early August, its Chairman, Alhaji Babagana Ibrahim, has said. Ibrahim disclosed on Friday in Gashua that most of the deceased were people trapped under the debris of collapsed mud houses.

    Ibrahim said that the flood destroyed more than 10,000 houses and farmlands across 200 communities. The chairman listed villages worst hit by the disaster to include Misilli, Lawan Musa, Dagona, Dala, Katuzu and Sabongarin Gashua.

    He said that 2,000 persons displaced by the flood were taking shelter in three camps in Gashua. He listed the camps as Goodluck, Zango 2 and Babuje. Ibrahim said the council, despite its meager resources, had been feeding the displaced persons since they came to the camps.

    He said that Sen. Ahmed Lawa, former Senate President, recently donated N10 million to the victims, while the state was already distributing non-food items to the victims. He urged the federal government to come to the aid of the flood victims whose population was increasing by the day.

    “The magnitude of this disaster is so enormous and Bade has no capacity to manage it. That is why I am appealing to the federal government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to come to our aid as the number of displaced persons continues to rise,” he said.