Flooding in Northeastern Nigeria Causes 30 Deaths and Displaces Over 1 Million

Severe flooding in northeastern Nigeria has resulted in the tragic death of 30 individuals and impacted over a million more, according to officials on Wednesday.

This devastating situation was triggered by the collapse of a key dam in Borno state on Tuesday, leading to some of the most significant flooding the region has seen in three decades. Residents were forced to evacuate their homes as the dam reached its capacity due to unusually heavy rainfall.

The recent floods follow Nigeria’s worst flooding in over a decade, which claimed more than 600 lives across the country nearly two years ago. The current crisis has alarmed local authorities and residents alike.

In Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, police spokesperson Nahum Daso reported that approximately 15% of the city is currently submerged under water, making everyday life extremely challenging for its inhabitants.

Ezekiel Manzo, with the National Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the death toll of 30 as of Wednesday. With an estimated one million people affected so far, officials warn that this number could rise significantly, potentially reaching 2 million as efforts to count those displaced continue.

Residents are facing increased challenges as food prices have surged since the central market was destroyed in the flooding. The situation is further complicated by fears for public safety, as heavy flooding has led to the escape of several wild animals from a local zoo.

Mary Mamza, a resident of Maiduguri, voiced her fears, recounting how a crocodile that escaped was killed just outside her home earlier in the day. Many people around her are now apprehensive about venturing out in search of food or supplies.

This inundation of northeastern Nigeria is part of a broader trend of severe flooding experienced across West Africa, where over 2.3 million people have been affected by flooding so far this year—triple the number affected in the previous year according to United Nations reports.

As a continent, Africa is suffering significant economic impacts due to climate change, with losses of up to 5% of GDP annually reported. This comes as many African nations grapple with implementing climate adaptation policies, which can consume as much as 9% of their national budgets.

In response to this ongoing crisis, an aide to Borno’s governor emphasized that rescue operations are actively ongoing. Displaced residents are being directed to gather at a former refugee camp situated outside the flood zone to ensure their safety and provide necessary aid during this challenging time.

The need for immediate assistance and long-term strategies to address the ongoing effects of climate change is becoming increasingly pressing as communities work to rebuild and recover from this catastrophic event.