BORNO State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has rescued 719 victims from the flood that ravaged Maiduguri and Jere areas of the state.
The Director-General of the agency, Mohammed Barkindo, made this disclosure while giving an update on the flood as it entered its second day on Wednesday.
Barkindo explained that the victims were trapped on rooftops, trees, and upstairs in various locations around the town.
“SEMA went with divers and rescued 719 people trapped in trees and upstairs, taking 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 on living 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.
According to him, the divers’ improvised rescue facilities, such as ropes, tubes, and other materials, were used to carry out the operation.
