The Director-General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mohammed Barkindo, said at least 179 victims of flood that ravaged Maiduguri and Jere were rescued from trees and roof tops.
The DG disclosed this while giving update on the flood situation which entered the second day on Wednesday.
Barkindo noted that the victims were treated and put under observation before taking to safer locations.
“SEMA went with divers and rescued 719 people trapped on trees, upstairs and running water, and took them to their chosen locations. The rescue operations started yesterday and continued up to this time today.
We documented their contacts to check on their well-being since they were taken to private residences, where they insisted to live with their relatives.
“Virtually all those we rescued, especially along Lagos street, said they preferred to stay with their relatives, while the rest also suggested better options. None of the 719 was taken to the camp,” he said.
He said the divers improvised rescue facilities like rope, tubes and other materials to carry out the operation.