Flood: Food shortage hits Maiduguri
An aerial view of Maiduguri flood
Published By: Isa Isawade
By Yakubu Uba
There is growing concern over the shortage of foodstuff and other commodities in Maiduguri as thousands of residents struggle for survival after a ravaging flood.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the flood submerged major markets including grain, fruit and vegetable depots in the town, while many shopping complexes and plazas remain closed.
The development had led to a shortage of food items making the prices of the few available ones high.
“It is difficult to find foodstuff now as all major markets are submerged.
“I can’t operate my restaurant despite pressure from customers, because the foodstuff I stocked has been exhausted,” Hajara Mohammed said.
- Flood: Maiduguri residents trooping home as water recedes
Other food vendors who attended to customers the previous day, including, Amina Isa, Rhoda Abdullahi and Jummai Mohammed said their stocks had also been exhausted and there was nowhere to restock.
NAN reports that the health sector was also affected as a result of the flood that submerged the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Maiduguri Specialist Hospital.
Already, some residents have started showing concern over possible public health crises, including outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and other waterborne diseases.
They specifically expressed worry over the flood that washed away corpses at the Maiduguri cemetery.
Meanwhile, Gov. Babagana Zulum has gone around some emergency camps to distribute cash to displaced persons as they await the arrival of foodstuff.
