Maiduguri residents begin return as Alau Dam flood recedes

Residents of Maiduguri who were displaced by the overflow from Alau Dam have started to return to their homes as floodwaters slowly recede.

While the water has subsided significantly, many are still anxious to assess the damage caused by the flood and salvage what they can.

One resident, Ali Bana from Gwange ward, expressed the urgency to inspect the remnants of their properties. “We are just rushing to see what is left of our homes and to salvage any remnants of our property we can still use,” he said.

Another resident, Musa Abdullahi from Gomari ward, shared a different experience, stating that his house remained flooded. “My house is still flooded. From the look of things, we have more days to spend outside before we can move back in,” he explained, highlighting the ongoing challenges for some residents.

A report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed the magnitude of the disaster, noting that over 239,000 people have been affected by the floods.

It also pointed out that some displaced residents have sought refuge in the Muna Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, which was already sheltering more than 50,000 people.

Local authorities have responded by evacuating residents from high-risk riverine areas to safer locations.

However, the floods have taken a toll on essential services, disrupting communication, power, and water supply across many parts of Maiduguri.

As residents grapple with the aftermath, the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, and recovery efforts are underway.