Heavy rain triggers flooding in Maiduguri as residents flee homes

Residents of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, were on Wednesday forced to flee their homes as heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding in the town, causing widespread disruptions.

The heavy downpour, which lasted for over three hours, has flooded the town. Media reports gathered that some of the victims in parts of Damboa road, Moduganari Ngomari and other places have abandoned their homes to seek refuge with family and friends

A resident on Damboa Road, behind Indimi house, said that they fear further flooding as the rainy season continues

“Before now, what we do experience is just a minor water gathering in one place whenever there is rain, but the one this morning is a bit surprising, partly because it did not flow from any water body,” he said.

In Moduganari, a resident, Joshua Solomon, confirmed that some houses have already been displaced.

“Look at that corner, water entered the house. I am certain that the occupants have all run away to any nearby home. See our own house, the water is already close to the gate. This is how it started last year, before it got worse and displaced everyone in this area”

Meanwhile, a government source confirmed that the Ngomari Primary Health Care facility also witnessed a flash flood.

The source said, ” UNICEF and the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board plan to flag off Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative today in Ngomari Primary Health Care in Jere LGA at the back of Umoru Shehu Hospital; it was postponed due to the flood that invaded the centre”

This is coming 10 months after the state capital and surrounding environments witnessed severe flooding that killed over 300 residents and displaced millions

The residents and motorists are calling for immediate action to ensure relief and minimise the impact of the flooding as the rainy season continues.