More than one million persons have been displaced by the devastating floods in Maiduguri, the state capital of Borno State.
Professor Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno State, confirmed this on Wednesday in Maiduguri.
Zulum stated that he will provide food items and other basic necessities to the displaced individuals seeking shelter in the Bakassi IDP camp on Biu, Damboa Road in Maiduguri, and that he has contracted vendors to cater to their needs.
Zulum also confirmed that the Federal Government has given him a flood intervention fund of N3 billion, which he will use to address the flood’s challenges.
The governor revealed that, as a long-term measure, the government will establish a health committee to investigate potential disease outbreaks and curb their effects and spread.
He said search and rescue have begun across affected communities to determine lives lost, while data collation of affected persons will be done immediately.
Heavy terrestrial rainfall this year, according to Zulum, caused the flood.
The governor said development has overtaken water channels across the state capital, thereby blocking water pathways.
He also attributed the flood to the overflow of the Alo Dam, which resulted from dam releases in Cameroon.
Zulum said the Alo Dam will be reconstructed to contain more water volume, while structures erected on riverine and water-prone areas will be demolished to avoid future recurrence.
