Devastating Floods in Maiduguri: 1 Million People Affected as Borno Government Rushes Aid

Estimated 1 million people have been severely impacted by heavy flooding in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, according to government officials. This is the worst flood to hit the city in over three decades.

Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno State, revealed the shocking figure during a press briefing on Wednesday, citing a preliminary assessment by the government following the disaster, which occurred on Tuesday. “The floods covered one-third of the city, affecting over 1 million people. It is very devastating,” Zulum said while overseeing relief efforts.

As of now, over 100,000 people have been displaced, with search and rescue operations still underway. Governor Zulum announced that the government is providing cash and food to the heads of displaced families as an emergency measure to alleviate the hardship caused by the disaster.

To further address the crisis, the government plans to establish a health response team to tackle potential health emergencies that could arise once the floodwaters recede.

Zulum attributed the catastrophic flooding to the collapse of a dam on the outskirts of Maiduguri, as well as water released from neighboring countries Niger and Cameroon. The floodwaters have wreaked havoc on local infrastructure, washing away animals at the city’s zoo, damaging houses, schools, hospitals, government offices, and even commercial and worship centers.

This historic flood has prompted swift action from the government, as officials work to provide immediate aid and long-term solutions for the affected population.