The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has intensified its response to the devastating floods in Maiduguri by deploying additional search and rescue personnel and resources. Mrs. Zubaida Umar, NEMA’s Director General, ordered the deployment to support the ongoing efforts to rescue residents trapped in their homes.
In a statement on Wednesday, Manzo Ezekiel from NEMA’s Press Unit highlighted that the agency, alongside search and rescue operations, is conducting a rapid assessment of the situation and warning of potential waterborne diseases due to flood contamination. To mitigate this, NEMA is supplying clean water through tankers to temporary shelters, including Bakassi camp, housing displaced residents.
Since the flooding began last weekend, triggered by heavy rains and the overflow of Alau dam, NEMA’s North East zonal office has collaborated with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders to assist affected residents.
Ezekiel also mentioned that Vice President Kashim Shettima led a high-level Federal Government delegation, including the NEMA DG, to Maiduguri on Tuesday. The delegation conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the flood damage and expressed solidarity with the people and government of Borno State.
Addressing displaced persons at Bakassi camp, Vice President Shettima reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to support the flood-affected communities and ensure recovery efforts reach all impacted areas. The delegation also paid a visit to the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi, to further assess the situation and extend the government’s support.
