Borno’s worst floods in 30 yrs: submerges two towns, 30 lives lost, 400,000 forced primary school into IDP camps in Maiduguri

*Tinubu approves N111 bn for floods mitigation in states

By George George Idowu

The awe-inspiring floods that ravaged Maiduguri on Sunday has claimed 30 lives in what is described as the worst incident in 30 years.

Over 414,000 people who have been displaced are currently seeking refuge at nine internationally displaced person camps around the state capital.

Recall that NatureNews had reported the devastating flood that occurred in Maiduguri a few days ago.

It was reported that the flood was triggered after the Alau Dam, located in the Ngadda River about 20 km south of Maiduguri, overflowed due to heavy rainfall, submerging nearly 70% of the city.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that the death toll had risen to 30, and nearly half a million people have been forced into nine internally displaced persons (IDP) camps spread across the state with more than 23,000 households have been affected by the rapid rise in water levels.

“The devastation is massive, with 30 people recorded dead and 414,000 displaced,” NEMA spokesman Manzo Ezekiel stated.

The flood wreaked havoc on critical parts of Maiduguri, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, the state secretariat, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and several commercial and residential areas.

In addition, the flood destroyed 80% of the animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo and caused extensive damage to houses, schools, religious centres, and businesses.

Governor Babagana Zulum conducted a preliminary assessment revealing that over one-third of Maiduguri was affected by the floods, impacting nearly a million residents.

According to him, the water levels have since receded, but the city remains in recovery mode.

In response to the disaster, Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking during a visit by Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas in Abuja, described the flood as a “national calamity.”

He emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters, such as floods, which have affected many states across Nigeria.

“The president has approved the release of N3 billion to each state of the federation to mitigate the effects of flooding and other disasters,” Shettima said, expressing solidarity with the people of Borno and other states affected by similar calamities.

The federal financial support, announced by Shettima, aims to bolster state governments’ disaster response efforts and restore a sense of hope among affected communities.

As the recovery efforts continue, the government has reassured the public that swift actions will be taken to prevent future floods, with climate change and ecology at the forefront of national disaster management discussions.