Africa’s Flooding: Crocodiles Float Amidst Human Bodies

Severe flooding across Central and West Africa has resulted in catastrophic devastation, with Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in Nigeria, being one of the hardest hit areas. The relentless rains have left behind scenes of utter destruction: homes leveled to the last brick, the walls of the main prison collapsed, and bodies of crocodiles and snakes drifting among the floodwaters. Reports indicate that over 270 inmates are missing after escaping when a prison was severely impacted by the floods.

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, described the damage as “beyond human imagination.” The flooding, which has claimed more than 1,000 lives across the region, has exacerbated existing humanitarian crises in countries like Chad, Nigeria, Mali, and Niger. The United Nations reported that over four million people have been affected by flooding so far this year in West Africa, marking a threefold increase compared to last year.

So far, at least 230 fatalities have been counted in Nigeria, with additional casualties reported in neighboring Niger (265), Chad (487), and Mali (55), which has experienced its worst flooding since the 1960s. Despite the chaos, rescue operations continue, but the full extent of the loss of life remains unclear as teams work tirelessly in the inundated areas.

The World Meteorological Organization recently highlighted that while Africa contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains one of the regions most vulnerable to extreme weather events. Projections suggest that sub-Saharan Africa could see the cost of adapting to such events rise to between $30 to $50 billion annually over the next decade, with up to 118 million Africans potentially affected by extreme weather by 2030.

Maiduguri has faced additional challenges due to ongoing violence from Boko Haram militants, who have terrorized the region over the past decade, claiming more than 35,000 lives. The recent flooding has only added to the troubles, leading to widespread displacement as local communities struggle to cope with the disaster.

Residents like Saleh Bukar shared alarming experiences from the floods. Woken up by frantic cries from neighbors, he recalled the chaos as water rapidly engulfed their homes. Many, including the elderly and those with disabilities, were caught off guard, leading to tragic losses. Local authorities reported more than 600,000 displaced individuals in Borno state, with at least 100 fatalities and numerous injuries.

The flooding severely affected the local wildlife, with reports indicating that around 80% of the animals at the Borno State Museum Park perished, while many escaped their enclosures. Locals expressed their fears, with residents like Ishaq Sani worrying about encountering wild animals as he sought refuge with friends away from his flooded home. The floodwaters also damaged essential infrastructure, including walls of police stations and local government offices.

Survivors continued to recount harrowing tales, such as that of Aishatu Ba’agana, who was forced to abandon her newborn amid rising waters. With crucial dikes failing along Lake Alau, the city experienced a deluge of 540 billion liters of water, resulting in the destruction of critical bridges. Governor Zulum’s urgent call for international assistance reflects the dire situation, stating that local resources are severely strained.

The World Food Program has mobilized to provide emergency aid and food distribution for displaced individuals in Maiduguri, while USAID announced that over $3 million has been allocated for humanitarian relief across West and Central Africa, including $1 million after the flooding.

Despite this assistance, many residents feel abandoned, with individuals like Harira Adamou recounting the collapse of her mud hut and rampant fears of the unpredictable weather. She and her children now live in temporary shelters, hoping that the rains do not return. Local authorities reported that 15% of Maiduguri remains under water, and forecasts predict more rain in the coming days.

Bukar remains hopeful yet frustrated, frequently checking the water levels of his submerged home without any signs of retreating floodwaters. While he shelters with thousands of others and receives minimal assistance, he is volunteering tirelessly to help those around him, demonstrating resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The deadly flooding in Nigeria serves as a grim reminder, coming just months after similar catastrophes claimed hundreds of lives in Tanzania and Kenya due to their monsoon season rains.

Source: CBS News, BBC