Nigeria Alau Dam collapse in Maiduguri: Survivors desperate as hunger bites

Aid agencies say at least 37 people have died – but the authorities say it is too early to confirm this estimate.

“We can’t ascertain the figure yet. For the number of houses affected, we have to wait until the water level recedes,” Sirajo Garba, from the National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) in Maiduguri, told the BBC.

The state governor, Babagana Zulum, has said that the floods may have affected up to a million people.

Hunger is now a major issue for those who have lost their belongings, homes and businesses.

At Bakassi Camp on Wednesday evening, a car pulled up at the gate and the driver began giving out loaves of bread to the crowds gathered.

But dozens of people then swooped on his vehicle and snatched everything through the wound-down windows.

“We don’t have enough food and essential supplies at the camp. People are always rushing for food,” said Ms Yakubu, who is shouldering the responsibility for looking after her children as her husband is staying with his second wife.

“My kids shared just one plate of meal today. They are still hungry while I haven’t eaten,” she said.

The family all share a mat placed on the ground in the open air – no other shelter is yet available. Fighting off mosquitos, she uses her hijab to cover her one-month-old baby.

Like many families, they are yet to be assigned sleeping areas as more tents are still being put up.

“My son and I have only taken kunu [a local drink made from sorghum or maize] today,” 23-year-old Aisha Muhammad told the BBC in tears.

Like many other women in the camp – finding something to eat is her main concern.