Borno Dam Collapse: Thousands Displaced as Flood Submerges Maiduguri

A catastrophic flood has submerged 70% of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, displacing thousands of residents and leading to severe losses. The flood, described as the worst in 30 years, resulted from the overflow of the Alau Dam following heavy rains. The disaster has affected key parts of the city, including government buildings, businesses, and homes, causing widespread devastation.

President Bola Tinubu, currently abroad, has called for the immediate evacuation of residents in flood-affected areas. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been on the ground, providing rescue efforts and support to those affected. “About 70 percent of the town is already underwater,” said NEMA spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel. “Many people are trapped, as the flood intensified while they were sleeping.”

The flood has impacted many significant locations in Maiduguri, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, the state secretariat, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The situation has left thousands of residents scrambling for safety, with many relocating to higher ground or seeking refuge in newly opened Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

NEMA’s efforts to relocate displaced residents are ongoing, with three IDP camps established to accommodate those affected. The state emergency management agency has been working alongside NEMA to provide necessary support. However, the extent of the disaster has exceeded initial forecasts, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of the response.

The flood has also caused significant damage to the local zoo, where 80% of the animals have died, and some dangerous animals, such as crocodiles and snakes, have been washed into nearby communities. “The recent flood disaster has disrupted and caused damage to properties and loss of lives of more than 80 percent of the animals,” said the management of Sanda Kyarimi Park zoo.

In addition to the flood’s impact on residents and infrastructure, there have been reports of a jailbreak at the Maiduguri correctional facility. Over 200 inmates escaped after floodwaters compromised the facility’s security. Three inmates have been recaptured, and efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining escapees.

Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maiduguri to assess the damage and oversee relief efforts. He directed government agencies to provide immediate assistance to the affected communities. “During his visit, the Vice President is expected to assess the extent of the damage, interact with the displaced residents, and oversee the ongoing relief efforts,” a statement from the Vice President’s office said.

The situation in Maiduguri has drawn concern from various quarters, with former Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume expressing his sympathy for the people of Borno. “The level of damage is very bad,” Ndume said. “I’ve been briefed, and what I’ve heard isn’t something we should take lightly.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abass and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris have also called for urgent relief efforts to assist the affected residents. The Arewa Consultative Forum has expressed deep condolences to the victims, urging emergency response agencies to act swiftly in providing aid.