50% of flooded homes in Maiduguri now dry – Borno govt

The Borno State government has said more than 50% of homes affected by the recent flooding in Maiduguri are now dry and ready for reoccupation, with more homes expected to dry in the coming days. Prof. Usman Tar, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, stated this yesterday while giving updates on flood disaster […]

The Borno State government has said more than 50% of homes affected by the recent flooding in Maiduguri are now dry and ready for reoccupation, with more homes expected to dry in the coming days.

Prof. Usman Tar, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, stated this yesterday while giving updates on flood disaster management and recovery efforts in the state.

Two weeks ago, 70% of the capital city was submerged due to a breach in the Alau Dam spillway, which caused significant destruction to lives and property.

He noted that many displaced people are now leaving relief camps to return to their homes across various neighbourhoods in Maiduguri.

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“From now on, cash, food, and non-food palliatives will be directed to the homes of flood victims, rather than distributed in the camps. Over 50% of the flooded homes have dried, and we anticipate more homes will follow suit in the coming days,” he said.

As relief camps begin to close due to the mass exodus of displaced individuals, he urged humanitarian organisations, NGOs and community members wishing to assist flood victims to focus their efforts on providing support directly in their homes and communities.

He explained that the rapid assessments of affected households have been slow due to the extensive number of homes impacted, as well as the complex and precarious nature of the flooded areas.