There is growing concern over shortage of foodstuff and other commodities in Maiduguri as thousands of resident struggle for survival, aftermath ravaging flood.
BRANDPOWER reports that the flood submerged major markets including grain, fruit and vegetable depots in the town, while many shopping complexes and plazas continue to remain closed.
The development had led to shortage of food items making the prices of the few available ones to be high.
“It is difficult to find foodstuff now as all major markets are submerged.
Flood: 362 vulnerable communities at high risk, NEMA warns
“I can’t operate my restaurant in-spite of pressure from customers, because the foodstuff I stocked have been exhausted,” Hajara Mohammed said.
Other food vendors who attended to customers the previous day, including, Amina Isa, Rhoda Abdullahi and Jummai Mohammed said their stocks had also been exhausted and there was nowhere to restock.
BRANDPOWER reports that the health sector was also affected as a result of the flood that submerged the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Maiduguri Specialist Hospital.
Already, some residents have started showing concern over possible public health crisis, including outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and other water borne diseases.
They specifically expressed worry over the flood that washed away corpses at the Maiduguri cemetery.
Meanwhile, Gov. Babagana Zulum had gone round some emergency camps to distribute cash to displaced persons as they awaits the arrival of foodstuff.
Presidency, NASS design strategies to support victims
Presidency, NASS design strategies to support victimsPresidency and the National Assembly have designed strategies to bring succour to the victims of the devastating flood in Maiduguri, the Borno capital.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said this on Wednesday while briefing newsmen shortly after he commiserated with the Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said, ” I am here today to commiserate with His Excellency, the Vice-President, over the devastating flooding disaster in Maiduguri.
” That is the purpose of my visit here, and I used that opportunity to discuss extensively on the problems and the situation of the people, particularly those affected in Maiduguri.
” We have also designed some strategies and solutions by both the National Assembly and the Presidency to implement in the next few days to bring succour to the victims of the flood in Maiduguri. ”
Abbas expressed confidence in the ability of Gov. Umara Zulum of Borno to ensure the judicious distribution of the Federal Government’s N3 billion intervention to the victims of the disaster.
He added, ” The governor, that is known for transparency. the governor of Borno, I am absolutely sure that whatever will be provided for them from the Presidency will be judiciously distributed, so I have no fear about that.”
Abbas said apart from Borno, the Federal Government had also extended palliative to other states affected by the flood disaster.
” Like my own state, Kaduna, it has had similar flood incidents, some few weeks ago and we have taken measures to also address that by giving palliatives.
” And we have also reached out to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and also advised us to also assist the victims there.
” We are also making efforts with the governor of Niger state to see what we can do by the NASS to help, and also, all the other states that are affected, we will do what we can to help, ” he said.
When the floods came
Residents around Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Maiduguri, Borno, trying to escape flooding are now thrown into confusion as some animals in the zoo have started coming out.
BRANDPOWER reports that an Ostrich and a crocodile have already escaped as the flood rages on, raising fears that others like elephants, lions, and snakes domiciled in the zoo may find their way out at any moment.
While one of the crocodiles that escaped was found dead after it was attacked by some unidentified person, the Ostrich has been wandering.
When contacted, the Director, Forest and Wildlife, Mr Ayuba Peter, who said the incident took them unawares, confirmed that the Zoo Manager had intimated him about the recent development.
Peter said roads around the area have been blocked to stop human movement, while wildlife staff were patrolling to pick any animal that escaped, particularly the carnivores.
Meanwhile, a reliable source in the zoo told NAN that about 80 per cent of the animals in the zoo, particularly the carnivores who can’t escape due to their locked facility are dead, while others like snakes and crocodiles have been washed away by the flood.
BRANDPOWER reports that the raging flood from the collapsed Alau Dam has continued to submerged many areas in Maiduguri and environs.
