Devastating floods have wreaked havoc across northern Nigeria, affecting over one million people. The floods, triggered by torrential rains and the bursting of the Alau Dam on Tuesday, September 10th, submerged large parts of Borno State, displacing tens of thousands and claiming at least 30 lives. Maiduguri, the state capital, saw entire neighborhoods engulfed in water, severely damaging homes and infrastructure.
The floodwaters swept away zoo animals, including dangerous reptiles, posing further dangers to the residents. Authorities reported that 80% of the wildlife at the Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Maiduguri had been lost or displaced. Videos of an ostrich and crocodiles wading through flooded streets circulated on social media, underscoring the severity of the disaster.
Efforts to rescue trapped residents have been slow, with many people still stranded in buildings and trees. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed boats and military trucks to aid in the evacuation. However, the lack of equipment has hindered timely rescue operations, leaving survivors to rely on local volunteers.
Flooding in northern Nigeria has become increasingly common, but experts say this is the worst in 30 years. The floods follow weeks of warnings from meteorological agencies about rising water levels and potential flash floods. Authorities now face the challenge of addressing an impending health crisis due to damaged septic systems and overcrowded shelters.
The flooding has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation. Borno State, which has been at the center of a 15-year insurgency led by Boko Haram, was already struggling with food shortages and displacement. Now, markets are flooded, and food supplies are dwindling, leaving many without access to basic necessities.
As rescue efforts continue, questions remain about the preparedness of Nigeria’s disaster management agencies. Despite warnings, the response has been criticized for its lack of urgency, with many residents left waiting for hours or even days for assistance.
