Reason for Massive Flooding in Maiduguri and Environs

The recent flooding in Borno State has been attributed to the collapse of the Alau Dam, which had reportedly been filled to capacity for the past week.

Earlier reports by Daily Trust detailed how thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes after severe flooding struck parts of Maiduguri, the state's capital. The last time such an issue occurred at the dam was in 1994, resulting in widespread flooding that submerged nearly half of Maiduguri.

In a statement released early Tuesday, Borno's Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, issued a warning titled “Flooding Alert for River Bank Residents,” urging people living along the riverbank to evacuate immediately.

He stated, “Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, we urge all residents living along the riverbank to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties. The Alau Dam water has broken down another channel that is currently destroying farms, and the water is heading toward the riverbank.”

Tar also advised residents in the affected areas to follow designated evacuation routes for their safety.

In separate statements, civil society organizations (CSOs) described the situation as “extremely dire.” Ahmed Shehu, Chairman of CSOs for the Lake Chad Basin, noted the uncertainty surrounding animals that escaped from the Shehu Sanda Kyarimi Zoo, a popular attraction in Maiduguri.

“The bypass bridge in Maiduguri is already flooded, and the water is spilling over onto the Zoo Road, with more water heading toward the College of Health Technology,” Shehu said. “Students have already been relocated to the School of Nursing. The floodwaters are also moving toward the Commissioner of Police Junction via Damboa Road.”

Shehu warned that the flooding of the zoo poses a serious risk, as wild animals could escape and pose a threat to nearby communities. He added that the Christian cemetery near Amb Baba Ahmed Jidda’s house in Old GRA had also been submerged, raising significant public health concerns.

“The government needs to activate an emergency response immediately,” he emphasized.

Our hearts and prayers go out to all the victims and survivors of this disaster