There is growing concern over shortage of foodstuff and other commodities in Maiduguri, Borno State, as thousands of residents struggle for survival, after ravaging floods.
Floods 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 shortage of food items making the prices of the few available ones exorbitant.
“It is difficult to find foodstuffs now as all major markets are submerged. I can’t operate my restaurant in-spite of pressure from customers, because the foodstuff I stocked has been exhausted,” Hajara Mohammed said.
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.
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 expressing fear over possible public health crises, including outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and other water borne diseases.
They specifically expressed worry over the floods that washed away corpses at the Maiduguri cemetery.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Babagana Zulum, went round some emergency camps to distribute cash to displaced persons as they await the arrival of foodstuff.
NAN