Collapse of major dam in Borno causes worst flooding in decades

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Maiduguri, NIGERIA – In northeastern Nigeria, severe flooding has claimed at least 30 lives and affected more than a million people, as reported by authorities on Wednesday. The flooding follows the collapse of a major dam in Borno state on Tuesday, marking one of the region’s worst flood events in recent history. This disaster comes nearly 30 years after a similar incident caused widespread damage in the area.

The catastrophic failure of the dam, exacerbated by unusually high rainfall, has led to significant flooding in Borno state, including its capital, Maiduguri. According to state police spokesperson Nahum Daso, approximately 15% of Maiduguri is submerged under water. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the death toll at 30, with the number of affected individuals estimated at around one million. However, as documentation of displaced persons continues, this figure could potentially rise to up to 2 million.

Ezekiel Manzo, NEMA spokesperson, highlighted the ongoing efforts to provide aid and manage the crisis. “The scale of the disaster is immense,” Manzo said. “We are mobilizing resources and support to address the immediate needs of those affected.”

The flooding has wrought significant economic damage. Residents report that food prices have surged due to the destruction of the central market in Maiduguri. This disruption in food supply has compounded the suffering of the affected population. Additionally, the flooding has severely impacted local infrastructure, including the partial destruction of a zoo, which has led to fears of escaped wildlife.

Mary Mamza, a local resident, described the heightened anxieties in the community. “We are terrified to leave our homes. Earlier today, an escaped crocodile was killed near my house,” Mamza reported. The presence of escaped animals has intensified fears among residents, complicating the ongoing relief efforts.

The devastation in Borno state is part of a larger pattern of severe flooding across West Africa. According to the United Nations, over 2.3 million people have been affected by flooding in the region this year alone, a threefold increase from the previous year. This surge in flooding incidents is indicative of broader environmental changes impacting the continent.

A recent report highlights that African nations are bearing a disproportionate burden from climate change, with some countries losing up to 5% of their GDP annually due to climate-related disasters. The World Meteorological Organization noted that many African countries are allocating up to 9% of their budgets for climate adaptation measures, reflecting the growing financial strain of mitigating climate impacts.

As the situation continues to unfold, rescue operations are in full swing. The governor’s aide indicated that displaced individuals are being temporarily housed at a former refugee camp outside the flood zone. The focus remains on providing immediate relief and beginning the long process of recovery and rebuilding.

“The priority now is to ensure the safety and well-being of those displaced,” said the governor’s aide. “We are working with national and international partners to provide shelter, food, and medical care to the affected

The flooding in northeastern Nigeria underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in the face of increasing climate variability. As the country grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, the global community watches closely, hoping for effective response strategies and long-term solutions to mitigate future risks.