Against the backdrop of the unfortunate flooding of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state in the North East of Nigeria, Gom Mirian, reports that humanitarian crisis is imminent, plus a possible cholera outbreak which have compounded the situation-a situation where over one million persons are displace, wild and dangerous animals let loose and prison inmates on the loose is better imagined.
Black Monday Despite Disaster forewarned
The serene capital city of Borno State, Maiduguri, has been severely hit by flooding after the Alo Dam collapsed on September 9, 2024. This disaster has submerged more than half the city, affected nearly one million people and worsened an already serious humanitarian crisis. As the waters slowly go down, there is growing concern about a possible cholera outbreak, pointing out the urgent need for humanitarian aid and effective crisis management.
The dam collapse has led to what local officials call the worst flooding in Borno State in twenty years. The torrential rains that caused the dam to overflow not only inundated residential areas but also washed away parts of a state-owned zoo, displacing crocodiles and snakes into communities. The immediate aftermath has been nothing short of chaotic, with residents and emergency teams working to save those trapped in the rising waters.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Local media reports describe a scene of chaos and desperation. People have been wading through the floods with limited equipment to help rescue others. “We’ve seen dead bodies arriving,” reported a local journalist. “But there have also been successful rescues, like when baby twins were saved from the water.” So far, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed 30 deaths with more expected as the situation unfolds.
The government’s response has been quick but faces many challenges. Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the flood-affected areas on September 10 and promised to provide food, shelter, and medicine. However, supplies have been slow to reach those in need. The report noted, “Despite the Vice President’s visit, very few supplies have arrived.”
A viral video sighted by Africa Health Report, (AHR) showed affected residents expressing their gratitude to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, who were seen using speed boats to evacuate people. “We thank you for helping us,” they said in Hausa.
Meanwhile, others remained stranded on rooftops, awaiting rescue as floodwaters gradually receded.
An elderly man, stranded with his bicycle, poignantly asked, “Where will I go from here?”
The flooding has damaged important areas of Maiduguri, including parts of the government house, the Shehu of Borno State’s Palace, the state secretariat, Monday Market, and the Kofa Biyu prison.
Governor Babagana Zulum, who visited Bakassi camp on September 11, reported that about a quarter of Maiduguri has been flooded. “You can see how water completely flooded the area, sewerages were completely flooded, that means waterborne diseases would be transmitted,” Zulum warned.
The flood is a major setback for Borno State, which is already struggling due to the Boko Haram insurgency. This conflict has displaced over 2.6 million people and killed more than 35,000 in northeastern Nigeria. The dam collapse has only made things worse for these vulnerable populations.
The National Emergency Management Agency said that floods in Nigeria have killed 229 people since the start of the year.
In late August, flooding killed 49 people and displaced thousands in three states namely; Jigawa, Adamawa and Taraba after heavy rains in the country’s northeast.
The worst flooding in recent times killed 600 people in 2022.
Financial Issues
The flood response is complicated by financial problems. According to data published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) according to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), Borno State received about N816.34 million from the Ecological Fund between January and June 2024 for flood and erosion control.
Despite receiving approximately N816.34 million from the Ecological in the first half of 2024, Borno State’s budgetary allocations for flood and erosion control have been woefully underutilised.
According to a recent report, only N20 million was spent on flood control in the first half of 2024, accounting for 2.45% of the total allocated funds.
In 2023, Borno State was allocated N1.042 billion for flood and erosion control but AHR findings show that no funds were disbursed or spent for this budgetary allocation throughout the entire year. This pattern of underutilising funds meant for critical infrastructure projects raises concerns about the state’s readiness for such disasters.
Need for Immediate Aid and Prevention
As Maiduguri grapples with the aftermath of this devastating flood, the threat of a cholera outbreak looms large.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) have issued urgent warnings about the potential for a cholera outbreak due to contaminated water sources.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society has called for immediate donations to support their response efforts, which include providing safe shelter and psychosocial support to those affected.
Moving Forward
As the floodwaters recede and recovery begins, Maiduguri faces an uncertain future. The immediate focus is on providing relief and preventing a health crisis. Effective disaster management, better financial oversight, and stronger humanitarian responses are crucial for helping the city recover and preparing for future challenges.
The floods in Maiduguri highlight the need for better preparation and resilience when dealing with natural disasters. As the city rebuilds, it’s essential to address the urgent needs of displaced people and long-term strategies to prevent future disasters.
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