- Crocodiles, Snakes, Other Wild Animals Invade Communities
- Situation Terrible – SEMA
- It’s A “National Calamity” – Buhari
- Most Catastrophic In Three Decades – Vp Shetimma
The ongoing flooding crisis in Nigeria, particularly in the northern states, is both deeply distressing and tragic. Since August 20, 2024 heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding in northern Nigeria, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.
According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), as of September 2, the floods have claimed at least 170 lives, displaced 205,338 people, affected 515,794 residents, and destroyed 76,667 houses across 28 of the 36 states. The most severely impacted states include Bauchi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Jigawa.and Borno with an undisclosed number of affected persons.
While Insecurity continues to bite hard in the northern part, thousands of residents in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, have been put to tears due to massive flooding. This flood, the worst in Maiduguri since 1994, has affected at least five communities, crippling businesses and school activities.
According to reports and eye witnesses, many streets in Maiduguri have been submerged, including significant landmarks such as the palace of the Shehu of Borno, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Central Mosque, State Specialist Hospital, and Millionaires’ Quarters.
The Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo was also affected, with several animals, including ostriches, snakes, and crocodiles, swept onto the streets. A prison wall near the Custom area was breached by the flood, leading to the drowning of some inmates while others managed to escape. Major roads, such as the Post-Office Roundabout, which connects key parts of the city, have been flooded, cutting off vehicular movement.
Concerns have been raised that the overflow of the Alau Dam, constructed for irrigation and domestic use, might have triggered this unprecedented flooding. Social media has been flooded with distress calls since the incident began.
Situation Still Dire – SEMA
The Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has described the situation in Maiduguri as “terrible.”
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The agency’s director, Barkindo Mohammed, stated on Wednesday that rescue operations and the distribution of sandbags have begun. “Just now we went for a rescue and proceeded to distribute sandbags in Gozari. As I am talking to you now, I am trapped; we came to rescue some people and we are now trapped with my staff,” he reported.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people remain stranded in the streets, with some taking refuge under trees with their families.
“A National Calamity” – Buhari
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has described the flooding in Maiduguri as a national calamity. The flood has displaced many residents in the Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin areas of Maiduguri, following the collapse of the Alau Dam, which had reached full capacity in recent weeks.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari expressed his condolences to the victims.
“Former President Muhammadu Buhari sends commiserations to the government and people of Borno and other affected states, following severe floods caused by incessant downpours,” the statement read.
He called the situation a national calamity, acknowledging the widespread devastation of homes, farmland, and the loss of life.
Tinubu Orders Immediate Evacuation
President Bola Tinubu has called for the immediate evacuation of people from flood-affected areas in Maiduguri. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended his condolences to the state government and residents, particularly those who have lost their livelihoods due to the overflow of the Alau Dam.
“While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the President calls for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas,” the statement said.
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President Tinubu also assured Governor Babagana Umara Zulum that the Federal Government is prepared to collaborate to address the urgent humanitarian needs of those affected.
He has directed the National Emergency Management Agency to assist flood victims and promised to mobilize federal resources to support the state during this challenging time.
“Most Catastrophic in Three Decades” – VP Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima described the flooding in Maiduguri as the most catastrophic in over three decades.
During an on-site assessment on Tuesday, he noted that despite preparations, the severity of the floods far exceeded expectations. He assured that the Federal Government would prioritize the welfare of affected communities.
“The flood’s unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond our previous experiences,” Shettima stated.
“The disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, not just globally but particularly to the North East regions.”
He also noted that Nigeria’s vulnerability to flood disasters has been highlighted repeatedly, referencing the devastating floods of 2012, 2018, and 2022.
“The flood, which began over the weekend and worsened in the following days, was the direct result of excess water from the Alau Dam,” he explained.
“The collapse of the spillways unleashed a significant surge of water downstream, causing widespread flooding in the surrounding communities.”
