A severe flood has wreaked havoc in parts of Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Areas of Borno State, displacing hundreds of people and causing widespread damage to properties.Â
The flooding, which began gradually a few days ago, escalated dramatically on Tuesday evening, leaving entire communities submerged and forcing residents to flee their homes.
Among the worst-affected areas are Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, Bulabulin, Kofa Biyu, Millionaire Quarters, and Costeen in Maiduguri.
The floodwaters also severely impacted communities around the Custom area, where rising water levels overwhelmed the infrastructure and residents alike.
One of the critical points of destruction was the Fori Bridge, a major link between the Fori and Galtimari areas to Tashan Bama.
According to a local source, the floodwaters breached the bridge, unleashing a torrent of water that surged through homes with alarming speed and force.
A resident of Galtimari described the terrifying experience “We were warned to start packing our belongings around 1:30 AM, but before we could gather essentials like clothes and important documents, the water had already risen to waist level inside our house. We had no choice but to flee, leaving most of our possessions behind.”
The resident and many others sought refuge at Galtimari Primary School, which has become a temporary shelter for the displaced.
The flood’s destructive impact was widespread, claiming houses, shops, and other properties, leaving many residents with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Businesses have been ruined, and entire neighborhoods devastated as floodwaters continue to rise.
The situation took an even more dire turn when the flood forced the evacuation of patients and their relatives from Nakowa Hospital on Lagos Street.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, visited the affected areas to assess the extent of the damage. Arriving around 2:30 AM, Governor Zulum walked through the flooded streets, offering support and reassurance to the displaced residents. His visit underscored the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for relief efforts.
As the floodwaters continue to surge, residents of Maiduguri and Jere are left struggling to cope with the aftermath of the disaster.
