Maiduguri Faces New Flood Crisis: Alau Dam Collapse Repeats 1994 Disaster
Alau Dam Floods Maiduguri Again: 30 Years After 1994 Crisis
Nigeria Flood Alert: Alau Dam Breach Displaces Maiduguri Residents
BY SHEKWOPEYELO
On September 13, 1994, the collapse of Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State, displaced approximately 400,000 people. The dam, with a capacity of 112 million cubic meters, was built in 1986 to support irrigation and domestic water needs. Its failure led to extensive flooding that damaged crops and property across Maiduguri and several northern states, including Kebbi, Kaduna, and Sokoto.
In response, the Sani Abacha military government dispatched a delegation to assess the damage and provided food aid, while the Borno State Government allocated N1 million for relief efforts.
30 Years Later: Maiduguri Floods Again
Fast forward to September 10, 2024, Maiduguri faces a new flood crisis as Alau Dam breaches again. The dam, which had been at full capacity, collapsed recently, submerging crops and properties. Although there are no reported casualties, residents are evacuating to neighboring communities.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sympathy and ordered immediate evacuation efforts. The Nigeria Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has initiated evacuations and set up the Bakassi camp for displaced individuals. Affected areas include Shehuri, Gambomi, and Monday Market.
Federal Government Flood Warning
The federal government had warned of severe flooding risks in 31 states, including Borno, from April to November 2024. Recent heavy rains have also caused significant damage in Kaduna, with about 200 homes destroyed. As of August 31, 2024, floods have claimed 185 lives across Nigeria.
For more updates on flood relief and disaster management, stay tuned.
