Severe flooding in northeastern Nigeria, which began on September 18, has impacted over 400,000 people, according to the United Nations. In Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, approximately 15% of the city is submerged.
The floods have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, worsened by ongoing armed violence that has displaced millions. Local residents are struggling with inadequate shelter, and some are appealing for extended camp stays due to the destruction of their homes.
Earlier this month, flooding from a dam collapse killed 30 people in Borno, and nationwide, the floods have claimed 269 lives, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.
The floods have also destroyed crops and livestock, compounding the suffering. David Stephenson from the World Food Programme described the situation as a “tragedy” and noted that it poses additional challenges for internally displaced persons who were already vulnerable due to regional violence.
Authorities have issued warnings about potential flooding in 11 states following water releases from a dam in Cameroon. This year, West Africa has faced some of the most severe flooding in decades, affecting over 2 million people.