In the aftermath of a devastating flood in Maiduguri, Borno State, rescue operations have been ramped up by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the military, and other organizations.
This comes as many residents remain trapped or missing, two days after the disaster struck.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, Sirajo Garba, the North East Acting Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, revealed that dozens of people who were initially trapped in their homes were successfully rescued on Thursday.
“We have deployed high suspension vehicles and boats, while the military is actively involved in search and rescue operations, particularly in severely affected areas like Abbaganaram, Muna, and 505 Estate,” Garba stated.
Garba further disclosed that NEMA has rescued about 200 individuals over the past two days.
“On the day of the incident, more than 1,000 people were rescued, and over 70,000 residents have been profiled in seven different camps,” he added.
When asked about the number of casualties, Garba said that it remains difficult to ascertain the exact figure at this point.
“So far, we have issued four body bags,” he said, warning that as floodwaters continue to recede, more bodies may be discovered.
In a show of solidarity, members of the Nigeria Governors Forum, led by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, Abdultahman Abdulrazak, have arrived in Maiduguri to extend their condolences to the state government and the affected communities.
The flood has left many parts of the Borno State capital submerged, displacing thousands of residents and cutting off several areas from immediate rescue efforts.
Rescue teams are working around the clock to ensure that more lives are saved and that those displaced are provided with the necessary relief materials.
Efforts by both government and non-governmental organizations continue as the affected communities brace for the long road to recovery.