A catastrophic flood has submerged over 70% of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, leaving thousands of residents displaced. The disaster, triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam due to heavy rainfall, marks the worst flooding the region has seen in three decades.
Authorities have opened three Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to shelter those affected, as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) leads search and rescue operations.
Manzo Ezekiel, NEMA spokesperson, described the extent of the damage, stating that “about 70 per cent of the town is already underwater.” He further explained that Maiduguri’s flat terrain allowed the floodwaters to spread rapidly, trapping many residents in their homes.
The flood has caused significant damage to major landmarks, including the Shehu of Borno’s palace, the state secretariat, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The Borno State Emergency Management Agency called the situation “terrible,” with ongoing efforts to distribute sandbags and rescue trapped individuals.
President Bola Tinubu, currently abroad, has expressed deep concern and ordered immediate evacuation of residents from the affected areas.
Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maiduguri on Tuesday to assess the damage and oversee relief efforts. “The flooding has exceeded the forecast made because of what is happening in Maiduguri today,” noted NEMA’s Manzo.
The floods have also led to a jailbreak, with over 200 inmates escaping from a correctional facility after its perimeter fence was damaged by the waters. The Nigerian Correctional Service reported that three escapees have been recaptured so far.
Meanwhile, the flooding has forced the closure of businesses and schools, with the University of Maiduguri suspending operations until further notice.
Residents like Nafisat Mujahid, a pregnant woman whose hospital was flooded, expressed fears over the impact on healthcare. Businesses have also been severely impacted, with shop owners in Monday Market reporting extensive losses.
Wildlife at the Sanda Kyarimi Park zoo has also suffered, with 80% of the animals reportedly dead. The zoo management warned that some dangerous animals, including crocodiles and snakes, may have been washed into nearby communities.
