Residents flee as Alau Dam overflows in Borno

Hundreds of residents in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, have been forced to evacuate their homes following an overflow at Alau Dam.

Alau Dam, located several kilometres from Maiduguri, is the primary source of drinking water for the city and surrounding areas.

Dr. Mohammed Barkindo, Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), however, reassures residents that measures are in place to mitigate potential damage to lives and property.

“Residents living near the riverbanks should remain vigilant, as the water levels are rising daily,” Dr. Barkindo advised.

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Our correspondent, who visited flood-prone areas including Lagos Street, Gwange, Moromoro, and Customs Bridge, reported that many houses along the riverbanks have been submerged by the floodwaters.

One resident, Bakaka Yusuf, described the chaos when the flood struck. “I was asleep when I heard people shouting. The water level kept rising, and we panicked when we learned that the Alau Dam had overflowed due to heavy rainfall.”

Yusuf added, “Some residents claimed that the dam had breached and that the water was heading towards Maiduguri with significant force. That’s why many of us had to flee our homes.”

In response, Dr. Barkindo reassured the public that the Alau Dam remains intact. He explained that a team, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Bukar Tijjani, along with SEMA officials, had inspected the dam and confirmed it had not reached capacity. The government has also implemented alternative measures to redirect the water from the dam.

“The Alau Dam is not filled to capacity, contrary to some reports. Additionally, we have deployed methods to divert excess water to safer routes,” Dr. Barkindo stated.

In a related development, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has refuted claims that the Dadin-Kowa Dam in Gombe State has collapsed due to flooding.

During an inspection visit to the dam on Wednesday, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev and Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo addressed the media to dispel the rumours.

Professor Utsev assured the public that the dam’s reservoir is functioning optimally. “We have thoroughly inspected the dam and can confirm that its reservoir and all hydropower supply channels are intact,” he stated. The dam continues to supply water for irrigation and hydropower generation without any issues.

The minister emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining the safety and integrity of all water facilities under its jurisdiction. He also highlighted the government’s plans to enhance irrigation infrastructure nationwide to bolster food security.