Here’s How to Help Hundreds of Thousands Affected by the Flooding in Nigeria
The flood in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, is described as the worst in Northeast Nigeria in 30 years.
At least 37 people are reported to have died in Maiduguri due to severe flooding that submerged significant parts of the city over the last weekend and early into this week. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the capital city Abuja stated this in a media advisory, adding that over 400,000 people have been displaced. But a complete estimate cannot be confirmed until the water recedes.
Borno, along with some other states in Nigeria’s northern region, has been dealing with torrential rainfall since the end of August. Earlier today, the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation confirmed that the flooding was caused by the overflow of the Ngadda River into the Alau Dam, which then flowed into the city. The BBC had reported that as heavier than usual rains began towards the end of August, the water in the dam’s reservoir rose, prompting locals to report to the authorities. It added that officials did go out to inspect the dam, but said there was nothing to worry about. According to the BBC, the dam gave way days later.
“Alau Dam did not collapse. It was one of the dykes that could not hold excess water coming from the tributaries; so it overflowed the dam,” Nigeria’s water resources and sanitation minister Joseph Utsev said, adding that “because of climate change, the downpour was in excess, and the rivers could not actually contain the water.” This is said to be the worst flooding event in Borno State in the last 30 years.
In a televised speech today, Borno State governor Babagana Zulum expressed his “deepest empathy to everyone who has been affected in one way or another,” adding that the state government is working with federal government agencies, civil society organizations and the military to “to ensure that relief efforts are streamlined and effective.”
The Nigerian government said it has released N3 billion ($1.83 million) to each state in the country to tackle natural disasters. The National Assembly has also stated that it will approve more funds to Borno state if needed.
Humanitarian agencies are also on the ground in Borno, as the scramble to provide emergency aid is ongoing. Here are some ways to help survivors of the flooding.
Donate to the Nigerian Red Cross
The Nigerian Red Cross has deployed officials and volunteers to provide emergency shelter, clean water, food and medical care. It’s seeking donations to expand and strengthen the effectiveness of its response. You can donate to the Nigerian Red Cross here.
Donate to UNHCR Nigeria
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has been working in Borno for several years, assisting with aid efforts for those displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency. It is now coordinating relief efforts with the state government, to provide life saving assistance to those affected by the flood. You can donate to UNHCR Nigeria here.
Donate to the World Food Program
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has said it’s on the ground to provide hot meals to 50,000 of the worst affected children, women and men who have lost their homes to the flooding. The charitable organization is seeking $147 million to continue supporting flood-affected people in Maiduguri and other food-insecure people in Nigeria’s northeast for the next six months. You can donate to the WFP mission in Nigeria here.