Alau Dam collapse floods 40 percent of Maiduguri, leaves at least 30 dead and 1 million affected, Nigeria
Heavy rainfall in northeastern Nigeria led to the overflow of the Alau Dam in Borno state, causing severe flooding that destroyed thousands of homes, claimed the lives of at least 30 people, and forced the evacuation of more than 400 000 people in the city of Maiduguri and surrounding communities.
Image credit: Mohamed M. M. Fall
- Heavy rains from September 7 – 8, 2024, caused the Alau Dam on the Ngadda River to overflow, leading to significant flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, and surrounding communities on September 10.
- Thousands of homes were destroyed, including critical infrastructure like hospitals and bridges. At least 30 people died, and over 414 000 residents were forced to evacuate, with around 1 million people feared to be affected.
- Since the rainy season began in April, at least 229 people have died across Nigeria, with over 107 600 hectares (265 000 acres) of land damaged.
Heavy rainfall falling over northeastern Nigeria over the weekend, September 7 – 8, 2024, caused widespread flooding and led to the overflow of the Alau Dam on the Ngadda River, located approximately 15 km (9.3 miles) southwest of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state with a population of about 791 200, causing significant flooding in the city and surrounding communities on September 10.
The flood swept away thousands of homes and destroyed multiple structures, including a hospital and a zoo along with bridges.
At least 30 people were killed and 414 000 forced to evacuate, according to official reports on September 11, while about 1 million people are feared to be affected.
“The flood has taken over around 40 percent of the entire city. People have been forced out of their homes and are scattered everywhere,” National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Zubaida Umar said.
According to NEMA, more than 23 000 households, and upwards of 150 000 people, were hit by the subsequent rapid rise of waters.
Borno State governor Babagana Umara Zulum said the authorities would need to rebuild and strengthen the dam.
Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, said that the Alau Dam overflow is the worst the state has seen in 30 years, prompting the state government to close all schools for two weeks.
Our thoughts and prayers are with #maiduguri in this difficult times. We hope for immediate relief and succour to everyone affected.
— MyIT Consult (@myitconsult) September 11, 2024
: @mainefilms_ng pic.twitter.com/8b87o0fp9Q
In response to the unfortunate flooding situation in the Maiduguri metropolis of Borno State, which started last weekend and increased in the early hours of Monday, 9th September 2024, resulting from excess waters from the Alau Dam, we have begun the evacuation of residents of… pic.twitter.com/cIpwUJgBYp
— Zubaida Umar (@TheZubaidaUmar) September 10, 2024
Rising Stronger Together: Vice President Kashim Shettima's Message on the Flood in Maiduguri pic.twitter.com/uK6V15oI27
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) September 10, 2024
I am deeply saddened by reports of the devastating floods around the country. In #Maiduguri we’ve seen harrowing images today. My thoughts are with the people in the affected areas.The #@UNinNigeria teams are already on the ground to provide support. We stand with you! pic.twitter.com/8NHlck98Bj
— Mohamed M. M. Fall (@MohamedFall) September 10, 2024
The floods have ravaged my hometown, leaving destruction everywhere. It's heartbreaking to see.#Maiduguri#Borno State#Nigeria @nemanigeria @AfDB_Group @UN @FmardNg @DanBorno @daily_trust @WFP @UNmigration @channelstv @officialSKSM @ProfZulum @ICRC @ pic.twitter.com/Yw1jjyYeZy
— Mala Kachalla, PhD (@MalaKachalla) September 11, 2024
In addition to displacing humans, the flooding also caused animals from a local zoo to escape. Sanda Kyarimi Zoo manager Ali Donbest said that while some animals have been recaptured, efforts to locate others continue.
“We have recaptured the ostrich seen on the street and have received a call that the crocodile has been found in another location, but we couldn’t reach it due to the flood,” said Donbest.
Donbest could not confirm whether more dangerous animals, such as lions and hyenas, had escaped, as their cages were submerged. No reports of animal attacks on humans have been confirmed.
NEMA figures show at least 229 people were killed in the country and 107 600 ha (265 000 acres) damaged since the start of the rainy season in April. The season runs through October.
References:
1 Alau dam burst, wild animals escape and wetin we know about Maiduguri flood wey don render many homeless – BBC Pidgin – September 10, 2024
2 Nigeria – Floods and dam overflow- DG Echo Flash – September 11, 2024
3 Nigeria Floods Kill 30, Displace 400,000: Rescuers – Barron’s/AFP – September 11, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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