Death Toll Rises as Over 30 Nigerians Perish, Many Still Trapped in Flood
By Wisdom Tide
12/09/2024
Rescue operations in Maiduguri continue to intensify following devastating floods that have claimed the lives of over 30 people and left many more trapped or missing. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), along with the military and other rescue teams, has been working tirelessly since the flooding began two days ago, as affected residents struggle to survive in the submerged areas.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri, Mr. Sirajo Garba, the North East Acting Zonal Coordinator for NEMA, emphasized the scale of the ongoing crisis and the concerted efforts being made to rescue those trapped by the floodwaters. "We have deployed high suspension vehicles and boats, and the military has launched search and rescue operations in the most affected wards, including Abbaganaram, Muna, and the 505 Estates," he stated.
According to Garba, NEMA's efforts have led to the rescue of approximately 200 people within the past 48 hours alone. "On the day the incident occurred, we managed to rescue over 1,000 people, and since then, we have profiled over 70,000 displaced persons across seven camps," he explained.
However, while the efforts have been significant, the number of casualties continues to rise. Garba pointed out that the full extent of the tragedy has yet to be determined. "At this stage, it is difficult to ascertain the exact number of lives lost. So far, NEMA has issued four body bags," he said, adding, "As the water begins to recede, it is possible we will discover more bodies."
Earlier reports had indicated that over 40 individuals have been confirmed dead in the flooding, though officials stress that these figures remain preliminary. As rescue operations continue and the waters gradually withdraw, the number of fatalities may rise, prompting concerns about the scale of the disaster and the potential for more grim discoveries in the coming days.
The response to the disaster has not been limited to NEMA and the military, as other local and international organizations have joined forces in the rescue mission. Despite their concerted efforts, the flood has caused significant displacement, with thousands of residents left homeless and entire communities submerged under water. The immediate needs of the displaced population are immense, and many remain in dire need of food, shelter, and medical attention.
The flood, which resulted from days of heavy rainfall, caught residents off guard and overwhelmed the region's drainage and flood prevention systems. Vulnerable areas such as Abbaganaram, Muna, and the 505 Estates have been particularly hard hit, with water levels rising rapidly and leaving people stranded in their homes.
As rescue teams continue to battle the elements, efforts are being made to coordinate a broader response to meet the humanitarian needs of the affected population. Camps set up for displaced persons have reported a surge in demand for basic necessities, with authorities and aid organizations calling for additional support from the federal government and the international community.
The full extent of the devastation caused by the flood is yet to be fully understood, and the road to recovery for Maiduguri and its residents will likely be a long one. As rescue operations continue and authorities assess the damage, attention will soon turn to how the region can recover from this disaster and what measures can be put in place to prevent future occurrences.
In the meantime, the priority remains the ongoing search and rescue operations. With many people still unaccounted for, the hope is that the combined efforts of NEMA, the military, and other organizations will lead to the successful rescue of those still trapped by the floodwaters. For now, however, the rising death toll serves as a stark reminder of the tragedy that has unfolded in Maiduguri and the challenges that lie ahead.
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