The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, has announced a $6 million allocation from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund to assist flood victims in Borno State.
The flooding crisis follows the collapse of Alau Dam near Maiduguri, Borno’s capital, on September 10, which has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reported that a joint mission with UN agencies, NGOs, and the Nigeria Red Cross Society visited Maiduguri over the weekend. They found many displaced individuals who had already faced repeated displacements due to conflict and insecurity.
Efforts include providing hot meals, facilitating air drops of food to inaccessible areas, trucking in water, and offering sanitation and hygiene services, including water purification tablets. Additionally, hygiene kits and emergency health and shelter services are being supplied.
Emmanuel Bigenimana, head of the World Food Programme (WFP) office in Maiduguri, described the situation as heartbreaking, with significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and public facilities. Over 200,000-300,000 people are displaced, crowding IDP camps and streets.
The WFP has established soup kitchens in three camps to deliver hot meals to 50,000 severely affected individuals. Bigenimana emphasized the compounded impact of the flood on an already crisis-stricken region, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and rising food inflation.
The situation calls for increased resources to address immediate needs and support long-term recovery efforts.