Borno Dam Collapse Nigeria: 30 Dead, Over 1 Million Displaced as Flooding Devastates Region

This disaster comes nearly two years after Nigeria’s worst flooding in a decade, which claimed over 600 lives across the country. 

State police spokesperson Nahum Daso told The Associated Press that about 15% of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, is underwater. Ezekiel Manzo, spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency, confirmed on Wednesday that the death toll has risen to 30.

"One million people have been affected so far," said an aide to the governor of Borno, warning that the number of displaced individuals could rise to as many as 2 million as officials continue to document the crisis.

The flooding has caused significant disruption in Maiduguri, with food prices soaring after the central market was destroyed. Residents are also concerned about the escape of animals from a local zoo that was partially destroyed by the floods. 

Mary Mamza, a Maiduguri resident, expressed fear about leaving her home after a crocodile was killed nearby earlier in the day.

This disaster comes as West Africa endures some of its worst flooding in decades. Over 2.3 million people across the region have been affected by floods this year, a threefold increase from last year, according to the United Nations.

The growing impact of climate change is taking a heavy toll on African nations. A recent report revealed that countries on the continent are losing up to 5% of their GDP annually due to climate-related disasters. The World Meteorological Organization also noted that some African nations are spending up to 9% of their budgets on climate adaptation measures.

Rescue efforts in Borno are ongoing, and displaced people are gathering at a former refugee camp located outside the flood-affected areas.