Dikwa idps displaced by massive Flooding

Dikwa idps displaced by massive Flooding

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Heavy rainfall have caused an overflow of river Dikwa resulting in massive flooding, which has seriously affected Alhaji Bashir camp and the Reception centre for internally displaced people (IDP’s).

The flooding resulted in the displacement of many IDPs, who are currently stranded in open
areas without adequate shelter and support to their existence.

Humanitarian workers allege that the rainfall recently has severely affected IDP sites, causing general damage to shelter and forcing residents to relocate to safer and dry grounds within the town.

“The displaced families from Alhaji Bashir Camp were housed in the High Islam school building on Gamburu road which is the main road connecting the town to Maiduguri about 90km away.

“The LGA chairman also suggested relocating the idps to the Rabiri area, where temporary shelters could be set up. Some IDPs are staying near the gas station, along the road, while others have found accommodation with relatives and friends in different camps.” Said the source.

A breakdown of those affected at the Alhaji Bashir Camp included 753 households, totaling 4385 individuals.

The flooding is also said to have damaged 803 shelters, which were a mix of emergency, makeshift and mudbrick structures.

A breakdown of damage of the make shift structures include 210 emergency shelters, 325 makeshift and 268 mud brick shelters.

As at the time of writing this report, 43 latrines have been blocked on site while some were submerged by the polluted flood water.

All affected idps and residents have been relocated from the camp to the main road, where they are currently staying in open sites and are in urgent need of assistance.

Most of those relocated from idp camps in Maiduguri to their ancestral homes were settled in their council head quarters like Dikwa as IDP’s preparatory to any time the military would be able to liberate their surrounding communities for them to move in gradually.

Dikwa idps displaced by massive Flooding