Segun Adeyemi

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<h2>Key stakeholders from government, state assemblies, and non-governmental organisations converged to launch a disaster response initiative aimed at addressing the recurrent flood crises plaguing northern Nigeria. </h2>

The gathering, led by ChristianAid Nigeria in partnership with USAID, launched the "Enhancing Coordination Systems for Disaster Response in Nigeria" (ECODiN) program to enhance disaster preparedness across Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.

In an interview with Pulse Nigeria, Engr Ahmed Garba Yandi, Zamfara's Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, expressed hope for the new program, describing it as "a historic feat" that would offer significant support to communities impacted by flooding.

"We support displaced residents by building infrastructure, providing clean water, and ensuring medical supplies," he explained.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/80-houses-farmlands-destroyed-as-flood-ravages-langtang-south-lg-in-plateau/6ws9p78">80 houses, farmlands destroyed as flood ravages Langtang South LG in Plateau</a>

The ECODiN program targets the three northern states, which have experienced devastating floods in recent months, displacing hundreds. By working with state and community-based agencies, the program seeks to empower disaster risk reduction (DRR) institutions to improve flood response and resilience in these communities.

Stakeholders in a group photograph at the launch of the "Enhancing Coordination Systems for Disaster Response in Nigeria" (ECODiN) program in Abuja on Thursday, October 10.  [Pulse Nigeria/Segun Adeyemi]

Hon. Aminu Gidado, representing the Speaker of the Sokoto State Assembly, highlighted the state's commitment to managing flood crises.

"Sokoto's dedication to responding to disasters has been commendable," he noted, emphasising that the partnership with ECODiN will reinforce existing state efforts.

Katsina's head of service, Falalu Bawale, also noted his state's preventive measures, sharing that they are currently constructing additional drainage systems and discouraging building in flood-prone areas.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/borno-floods-tinubu-sanctions-national-disaster-fund-to-aid-victims/eqthhws">Tinubu approves national disaster relief fund amid Borno floods</a>

ChristianAid Nigeria's Executive Director, Temitope Fashola, spoke on the holistic approach of ECODiN, which aims to enhance the capacity of both formal and informal disaster response systems across six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the target states.

"We co-created the program with State Emergency Management Agencies in Sokoto, Katsina, and Zamfara," Fashola stated, adding that it is informed by stakeholder interviews and past successes.

Fashola emphasised that the program aligns with the National DRR strategy, integrating evidence-based interventions to build resilience and promote inclusive responses to climate-induced disasters.

Scores of Maiduguri residents were rendered homeless due to the tragic flood incident. [Getty Images]

Key stakeholders from government, state assemblies, and non-governmental organisations converged to launch a disaster response initiative aimed at addressing the recurrent flood crises plaguing northern Nigeria.

Stakeholders rally for improved disaster response in Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara

<h2>Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has been severely impacted by a nine-day flood that caused an estimated loss of ₦27 billion. </h2>

The flood submerged over 70% of the city, disrupting the daily bustling trade that generates over ₦3 billion.

The president of the Borno Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (BOCCIMA), Alhaji Ahmed Ashemi, highlighted Maiduguri's strategic importance, describing it as a major trading hub second only to Lagos.

"Maiduguri is an essential trading station, with ₦3 billion in transactions daily," Ashemi said, lamenting the economic toll of the flood.

The Monday market alone generates ₦1.5 billion each day, making the damage even more pronounced.

In response to the disaster, donations and pledges have poured in from various quarters, totalling ₦21 billion as of Wednesday.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/108-senators-donate-naira74-million-to-support-maiduguri-flood-victims/27wkp82">108 senators donate ₦74 million to support Maiduguri flood victims</a>

Corporate organisations, state governments, and individuals have made significant contributions, including ₦3 billion from the North East Development Commission and ₦2 billion from business magnate Aliko Dangote.

Governor Babagana Zulum's Senior Special Assistant on Social Media, Abdulrahman Bundi, confirmed the receipt of some donations but noted that many pledges were yet to be redeemed.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/un-pledges-dollar6m-support-package-for-maiduguri-flood-survivors/8pwvt6r">UN pledges $6m relief for Maiduguri flood victims</a>

"Details of the redeemed pledges and material support will be announced in due course," Bundi stated.

Prominent figures and institutions have stepped forward, including donations from state governments such as Bauchi (₦250m) and Kebbi (₦200m) and individuals like Atiku Abubakar (₦100m) and Peter Obi (₦50m).

The flood continues challenging Borno's recovery efforts as the state awaits further support.

Boko Haram leaders might have escaped from prison during Maiduguri flood - Zulum

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has been severely impacted by a nine-day flood that caused an estimated loss of ₦27 billion.

Borno suffers ₦27bn loss in 9 days due to flooding

<h2>The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed alarming statistics on the current flooding situation in Nigeria. </h2>

It revealed that 1,048,312 people have been affected across 29 states and 172 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar confirmed on Thursday, September 12, that 259 deaths have been recorded and 625,239 people have been displaced.

Umar, speaking at the National Emergency Coordination Forum, provided a comprehensive overview of the ongoing response to the crisis. This includes active search and rescue operations in severely affected areas like Borno State.

"Our ongoing intervention across the affected states includes the deployment of additional personnel, distribution of water purification equipment, and provision of food and non-food items," she stated.

The flooding has particularly impacted Borno State, where <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/flood-causes-massive-borno-jailbreak-over-200-inmates-escape/n52msdg">a broken spillway at the Alau Dam </a>exacerbated the situation.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/borno-govt-closes-schools-for-2-weeks-due-to-floods/lw8ymqe">Borno Govt closes schools for 2 weeks due to floods</a>

Umar clarified that the current flooding trend is in line with the predictions made in the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). This forecast had warned of high flood risks in 33 states between July and September.

<h3>NEMA lauds Borno govt's support</h3>

NEMA has praised the swift action taken by the Borno State government. "We commend Governor Babagana Zulum and the Borno State Emergency Management team for rising to the occasion, activating Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, and leading the rescue efforts," Umar said.

In addition to the immediate disaster response, NEMA continues to work closely with humanitarian partners to provide ongoing support and relief to flood-affected regions.&nbsp;

"The Federal Government commiserates with those affected and assures that sustainable relief will be provided to mitigate the impact of this disaster," Umar concluded.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed alarming statistics on the current flooding situation in Nigeria.

259 dead, 25,239 displaced, 1 million affected by floods - NEMA confirms

<h2>Efforts to evacuate thousands of people trapped by severe flooding in Maiduguri have commenced as military forces, volunteers, and security agencies work tirelessly to save lives. </h2>

The flooding, caused by the rupture of the Alau Dam on the Ngadda River, has submerged large parts of the city, including key public infrastructures, leaving homes, markets, and vehicles under water.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, personally toured the worst-hit areas on Wednesday, September 11.

His visit to the Custom area, which houses a now-inaccessible prison, highlighted the scale of devastation as security forces struggled to recover dead bodies while also rescuing those trapped in the waters.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/presidency-nass-design-strategies-to-support-maiduguri-flood-victims/wexzqdt">Presidency, NASS design strategies to support Maiduguri flood victims</a>

<h3>'The situation is catastrophic' - Minister</h3>

"The situation is catastrophic," said Tunji-Ojo, pledging that the federal government would intensify its support.

Although some areas in Maiduguri have seen water levels drop slightly, places like Gamboru Market, Kasuwan Shanu, Custom Area, Fori, and Abbaganaram remain submerged, causing widespread panic.

Authorities are primarily focused on evacuating vulnerable groups, such as women and children, who are among the hardest hit.

Tunji-Ojo was joined by top officials, including the Controller-Generals of Immigration and Correctional Service and representatives from Civil Defence and Fire Services.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has released aerial footage showing the extent of the flooding, with rows of homes engulfed in murky waters.

<h3>The worst flood incident in decades</h3>

Maiduguri, which is already grappling with a decade-long jihadist insurgency, is now facing what the United Nations has described as the worst flooding the city has experienced in 30 years.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) took to social media, declaring the situation "unprecedented."

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/maiduguri-flood-victims-begin-returning-home-as-waters-recede/hzbv55p">Maiduguri flood victims begin returning home as waters recede, 239,000 affected</a>

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the National Emergency Management Agency to assist flood victims as authorities continue to assess the damage caused by the disaster. [Getty Images]

"This is an event we haven't seen in decades," said NEMA spokesperson Ezekiel Manzo.

"Some of the central parts of Maiduguri, which have never seen flooding before, are now completely submerged," he added, painting a grim picture of the city's future as floodwaters continue to rise.

Initial estimates suggest that over 150,000 people from more than 23,000 households have been affected, but authorities warn that the true number could be closer to 200,000.

NEMA Zonal Coordinator Surajo Garba said, "The numbers are likely to increase as more locations are impacted by the relentless waters."

<h3>VP Shettima's visit </h3>

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who is originally from Maiduguri, also visited the flooded areas.

He explained that the flooding directly results from excess water released from the Alau Dam.

"The collapse of the spillways sent a massive wave of water into surrounding communities, resulting in this disaster," Shettima remarked.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/flood-causes-massive-borno-jailbreak-over-200-inmates-escape/n52msdg">Flood submerges Borno prison as over 200 inmates escape</a>

The flooding has also disrupted key city landmarks, such as the Maiduguri Post Office and the main zoo. Alarming reports from local authorities revealed that several dangerous animals, including an ostrich, have escaped due to the flooding.

Officials warned, "Residents should exercise extreme caution, as animals have been washed into the surrounding communities. "

While the military and other rescue teams continue their evacuation efforts, the flood has already left a trail of destruction, with many areas still submerged, and the possibility of more flooding remains high.

Efforts to evacuate thousands of people trapped by severe flooding in Maiduguri have commenced as military forces, volunteers, and security agencies work tirelessly to save lives.

Rescue operations begin in Maiduguri as Borno flood claims lives, traps others

<h2>In a dramatic incident on Tuesday, September 10, over 200 inmates escaped from the Nigeria Correctional Service in Maiduguri after severe flooding submerged the prison.</h2>

The flood, triggered by <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/maiduguri-flooded-as-alau-dam-breaks-down/2fjg573">the overflow of the Alau Dam,</a> breached security barriers and weakened the structure, leading to a jailbreak.

The Maiduguri new prison, located in the Abaganaran area, housed inmates, including Aisha Wakil, known as "Mama Boko Haram," who is currently serving time on fraud-related charges.

Authorities have expressed concern that many of the escapees are highly dangerous and potentially armed, posing a serious threat to public safety.

<h3>Search begins for jailbreakers</h3>

An ongoing manhunt is underway to track down and recapture the escaped prisoners. Law enforcement agencies have ramped up efforts to locate the inmates.

However, according to Leadership, the prison's public relations officer, Mr Bala Adamu, has made no official comment.

When contacted, he said he was in a meeting and failed to respond afterwards.

<h3>President Tinubu orders aid after Borno flood triggers jailbreak</h3>

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the disaster and offered his condolences to the people of Borno State, especially to families affected by the flood.

In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu assured Governor Babagana Zulum that <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/tinubu-orders-immediate-evacuation-of-flood-affected-residents-in-maiduguri/6g0b08f">the federal government is ready to collaborate with the state</a> to address immediate humanitarian needs.

He also instructed the National Emergency Management Agency to assist flood victims as authorities continue to assess the damage caused by the disaster.

In a dramatic incident on Tuesday, September 10, over 200 inmates escaped from the Nigeria Correctional Service in Maiduguri after severe flooding submerged the prison.

Flood submerges Borno prison as over 200 inmates escape

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