Severe Flooding Devastates Borno, Nigeria: 30 Dead, Over a Million Affected

Severe flooding in northeastern Nigeria has resulted in 30 deaths and impacted over a million people following the collapse of a major dam in Borno state. The disaster, exacerbated by unusually high rainfall, has led to significant displacement and fear among residents due to wildlife escape and market destruction.

Severe flooding in northeastern Nigeria has left 30 people dead and affected more than a million others, authorities reported on Wednesday.

The collapse of a major dam in Borno state on Tuesday caused some of the region's worst flooding in three decades, prompting many residents to flee their homes. The dam reached capacity due to unusually high rains, according to state officials.

This disaster follows nearly two years after Nigeria's worst flooding in a decade, which claimed more than 600 lives nationwide. About 15% of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, was submerged, as per state police spokesperson Nahum Daso. Ezekiel Manzo, spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the death toll stands at 30.

"So far, one million people have been affected," said an aide for the governor of Borno, warning that the number could rise to 2 million as documentation of displaced people continues.

Residents reported food price surges following the destruction of the central market in Maiduguri. There are also heightened concerns about wildlife after a local zoo was partially destroyed, allowing several animals to escape. Mary Mamza, a Maiduguri resident, noted fear among locals after an escaped crocodile was killed near her home earlier today. West Africa is experiencing some of its worst flooding in decades, impacting over 2.3 million people this year, a threefold increase from last year, according to the UN.

African nations are losing up to 5% of their GDP annually due to climate change, with the World Meteorological Organization reporting that many spend up to 9% of their budgets on climate adaptation policies.

The governor's aide emphasized that rescue operations are ongoing and displaced people are gathering at a former refugee camp outside the flood zone.

(With inputs from agencies.)