The Federal Government has begun the evacuation of residents of the affected communities in the flooding that has ravaged Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the Borno State Government has opened up Bakassi Camp to accommodate those displaced by the flood. The agency said it is also working on the provision of food, shelter and medical assistance for the victims.

The flooding situation which begun last weekend resulted from excess water from the Alau Dam. One of the spillways of Alau Dam collapsed, leading to a significant increase in water flow downstream and worsening the flooding in surrounding areas.

The flood also breached the wall of a prison in the Custom area, leading to the escape of several inmates.