Nigeria: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Maiduguri and surrounding areas of Borno State as of Sept. 12 /update 1

Widespread disruptions due to flooding are ongoing in Maiduguri and surrounding areas of Borno State as of Sept. 12. Heavy rainfall in recent days caused a failure at the Alau Dam Sept. 10, triggering severe flooding in Maiduguri and surrounding communities; much of Maiduguri has been submerged by flooding. Authorities have reported at least 30 flood-related fatalities. More than 400,000 people have been displaced and around one million people have been affected by the flooding. Thousands of homes and other infrastructure have been destroyed by the floods. Many animals escaped from Sanda Kyarimi Zoo during the flooding, with dangerous species posing and additional threat to affected residents, and several inmates escaped after a correctional facility was damaged by the floods. Schools in the region have been closed for two weeks following the flooding.

Evacuation orders could be extended or expanded to encompass nearby localities. Significant travel disruptions are almost certain while the emergency response continues. Flooding could cause power outages, affect clean water sources, or disrupt telecommunication services in the affected area. Drinking water shortages are possible. Flood waters could carry dangerous aquatic wildlife, such as crocodiles and venomous snakes, into urban areas posing additional hazards to residents.