UN, humanitarian agencies rally support as Maiduguri faces devastating flood crisis

In a decisive response to the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri, officials from the United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have converged on the Borno State capital.

Led by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, the team embarked on an assessment mission following the Alau Dam flood disaster, which has left over one million people displaced.

This visit, detailed in a press release by Oluseyi Soremekun, the National Information Officer of the UN Information Centre, highlighted the dire situation.

The delegation engaged with residents, government officials, and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, to evaluate the damage and strategize immediate relief efforts. Mohamed Fall expressed the gravity of the situation: “The flood-affected people are facing a crisis within a crisis, as the floods occurred during a severe food insecurity and malnutrition crisis. I witnessed firsthand the devastation and hardship caused by the flooding, including the destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure. I also saw the suffering of the affected communities.”

The team has pledged swift action to alleviate the suffering, promising to provide essential supplies such as food, clean water, sanitation facilities, and shelter.

This commitment is crucial as the floods, described as the worst in 30 years, have compounded the pre-existing humanitarian needs of many who were already displaced by conflict and insecurity.

The deluge, triggered by a dam burst after torrential rains, has submerged thousands of homes. Barkindo Mohammed, director general of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), warned that the number of displaced could reach one million. In a tragic account, Mohammed Sheriff, a local resident, recounted how he and his family were caught off guard by the rising waters. Despite their efforts to escape, two of his children remain missing. “We haven’t seen them since and we fear the worst,” Sheriff shared.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that the floods have claimed at least 30 lives, escalating concerns over hunger and disease. Zubaida Umar, NEMA’s director general, noted that while flood levels are receding, the risk of cholera and other diseases remains high due to damaged water and sanitation infrastructure. The situation is exacerbated by the flooding of Maiduguri’s two main hospitals, as reported by Save The Children.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has also raised alarms about the potential increase in food insecurity in the already vulnerable northeast region. With at least 259 fatalities attributed to flooding across Nigeria since the start of the rainy season, the need for coordinated humanitarian efforts has never been more critical.