Maiduguri, Borno State — A devastating flood has claimed the lives of more than 30 people and affected over one million residents following the collapse of the Alau Dam, which triggered severe flooding in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
According to officials, the floodwaters, which surged into the city from about 10 kilometers away, have destroyed hundreds of homes, agricultural lands, and commercial properties, leaving widespread devastation in their wake. The collapse of the dam sent torrents of water into residential neighborhoods, forcing many residents to flee for safety as their homes and businesses were submerged.
Ezekiel Manzo, spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the death toll, stating, “The number of fatalities has reached 30, and the situation remains dire as we continue rescue and relief efforts in affected areas.”
In addition to the loss of life, the disaster has displaced countless families, with entire communities left without access to basic necessities. Agricultural land has been severely impacted, threatening food supplies in the region, which is already struggling with insecurity and displacement due to insurgency.
Local authorities and emergency services are working around the clock to assist those affected, providing temporary shelters and food supplies. However, the sheer scale of the disaster has overwhelmed available resources, prompting calls for additional support from the federal government and international relief organizations.
Efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and to provide aid to those most in need. With more rains expected in the coming days, there is a heightened risk of further flooding, and authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds.
The collapse of the Alau Dam has raised concerns about the state of critical infrastructure in the region, with experts calling for urgent measures to prevent future disasters of this magnitude.
The Borno State government has vowed to prioritize recovery efforts and provide necessary support to rebuild affected communities. Governor Babagana Zulum has called for calm and assured the public that everything possible is being done to address the crisis and mitigate further damage.
As relief efforts continue, the people of Maiduguri face a long and challenging road to recovery in the wake of this catastrophic flood.
