Catastrophic Floods Devastate Towns Across Northern Nigeria: Thousands Displaced, Wildlife Threats Emergent, and Major Infrastructure in Ruins
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A catastrophic flood has overwhelmed the town, causing extensive damage and disrupting daily life. The deluge has led to the death of livestock, forced the closure of businesses and schools, and completely submerged several key areas.
The crisis has been exacerbated by the appearance of dangerous wildlife. Crocodiles, snakes, and other perilous animals have been reported in the affected zones, particularly around the Post Office and Monday Market near Shehu Kyarimi Park (Zoo).
Reports indicate that significant locations, including the Shehu’s palace, the University of Maiduguri, its Teaching Hospital, Gwange, Moromoro, State Lowcost, 500 Abbagana housing estate, Monday Market, Lagos Streets, NUJ Centre, and the Government House, are all under water. This disaster has displaced millions and resulted in the destruction of property worth billions of naira.
In response to the flood, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate to safer areas, such as Bulumkutu, Gomari Airport, and Tashan Baga. The situation remains dire as victims urgently call for government intervention and assistance.
The Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation released a statement on Monday indicating that the closure is necessary due to significant leakages in the Alo Dam’s bank. These leakages, caused by heavy rainfall, have led to widespread flooding in communities along riverine and flood-prone areas.
The closure affects the 2024/2025 academic session, which had only recently resumed on September 9, 2024.
The Borno State Government has announced a two-week closure of all government and private schools due to severe flooding across the state. The decision follows a site visit by Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijjani, commissioned by Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum. The visit aimed to assess the condition of the Alo Dam, a crucial water source that has historically contributed to flooding in the state capital.
In a related development, the Bauchi State Government has reported significant impacts from this year’s flooding.
The Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation released a statement on Monday indicating that the closure is necessary due to significant leakages in the Alo Dam’s bank. These leakages, caused by heavy rainfall, have led to widespread flooding in communities along riverine and flood-prone areas.
The closure affects the 2024/2025 academic session, which had only recently resumed on September 9, 2024.
According to Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Wanka, the floods have resulted in 24 deaths and severely affected 16 local government areas within the state.
The flooding has injured 163 people and displaced 122,330 households. It has also cut off 12 major roads, predominantly in the northern regions, washed away 60 culverts, destroyed 52,035 homes, and caused the collapse of 178 electric poles. Additionally, the floods have led to the loss of 11,183 livestock.
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