JUST IN: Residents trapped, properties destroyed as heavy flood hits Maiduguri, submerges Emir’s Palace

Eric Patrick

Residents in Maiduguri and other communities are currently trapped in a devastating flood that hit the state on Tuesday.

Residents who spoke to thewatch Africa on anonymity due to security reasons on Tuesday morning confirmed that the widespread flooding had submerged several houses, major roads, and official buildings, including the Emir’s palace.

“Nobody could sleep because the water is too much. Our house was filled with water, and we had to look for where to survive. In my community here, many people are trapped inside the water because not everyone can swim and nobody can help them."

The emergency agency is overwhelmed because they also have to deal with floods in their facilities. No place is safe currently in Maiduguri,” one of the sources told our correspondent. 

The sources further stated that the cause of the floods was due to the breakdown of Alau Dam and this claim was confirmed by the State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security in a press statement he issued on Tuesday morning.

The commissioner said, "Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, we urge all the residents living along the river bank to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties.

"The Alau Dam water has broken down another channel that is currently destroying farms and the water is heading toward the river bank."

 The flood also affected the zoo in the state as many wild animals were seen roaming with the people, trying to escape the disaster.

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, is experiencing flood levels not seen since 1994.