Maiduguri Flood: City’s Worst Disaster in Decades, Over 1 Million Displaced, 30 People Confirmed Dead

By Emmanuel Kwada

A devastating flood in Maiduguri has resulted in a catastrophic situation, 30 people confirmed dead and over one million displaced with a dead body spotted floating in the Post Office area. Wild animals, including a displaced crocodile, have been found in residential areas, likely displaced from the Sanda Kyarimi Zoological Park.

Aerial View of Maiduguri

The situation remains critical in other parts of the state, with children and women trapped for two days without food or access to leave the Old Zaman Clinic Hospital in Gamboru Ward. Similarly, trapped victims in Kwana Yobe urgently need assistance, including women, children, and the elderly people.

The United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council (UNHCR) and residents of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) have described the flood as the city’s worst experience since 1994 with Over one million persons have been displaced, many more trapped in various parts of the state.

The city’s worst experience since 1994

In response, the Federal Government has donated ₦3 billion to support relief efforts, while Vice President Shettima has pledged 50 trucks of rice to aid flood victims. The Military is leading search and rescue efforts, with the Chief of Defence Staff directing the Theater Commander Operation Hadin Kai to offer necessary assistance.

Borno State has established two relief camps, BAKASI and DALORI, to accommodate affected individuals, expected to provide aid to approximately 40,000 families each. However, the recent flooding has also resulted in the collapse of Maiduguri Prison’s fence, allowing over 200 inmates, including Boko Haram commanders, to escape.

Notably, ECOWAS has ignored calls for infrastructure investment, instead blaming climate change and recommending increased disaster budgeting, despite the Alau Dam’s role in causing havoc in Maiduguri.

University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital flooded