by Homes and roads have been submerged in Maiduguri, Borno state, after severe flooding caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam. The dam, which had been at full capacity for a week, collapsed early Tuesday morning.
The hardest-hit areas include Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin, where many residents have fled to higher ground. Social media videos show floodwaters sweeping through the streets.
Wild animals, including snakes, crocodiles, and ostriches, escaped from the state zoo and were seen roaming the streets due to the flooding.
In response, Usman Tar, the state commissioner for information and internal security, issued a flood alert, urging immediate evacuation of residents living near the riverbanks. He emphasized the need to follow evacuation routes to ensure safety.
“Given the unusually high water levels this year, we advise all residents along the riverbanks to take urgent measures to protect themselves and their property,” Tar said.
The commissioner also noted that the dam’s overflow is now damaging farmlands and advancing toward the riverbanks.
According to NAN, the last time the dam collapsed was in 1994, resulting in massive flooding that left nearly half of Maiduguri underwater.
