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Alau Dam Collapse in Borno State, Nigeria: Understanding the Causes, Impact, and Response to the Tragic Incident.
- Peace Oregbesan
Flooding has become a recurrent and devastating issue across Nigeria, affecting various states with increasing frequency and intensity. Among the hardest hit are the northern states, particularly Borno State, where the impact has been catastrophic, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread displacement. The flooding was caused by the collapse of a dam following heavy rainfall.
According to WHO “ The floods have displaced more than 225,000 people, with 201 deaths reported in 15 of the country’s 36 states and about 115,000 hectares of farmland inundated.’
In Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, more than 230,000 people have been affected by the flood due to a major dam collapse following an intense rainfall. The deluge has hampered access to health facilities, schools and markets. Fourteen health facilities have been flooded. Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum described the extent of the damage as “beyond human imagination”.Acute watery diarrhoea, malaria, water-borne and infectious diseases, as well as malnutrition are some of the major health risks in the wake of the severe floods.
Here’s what a survivor has to say:
The combination of natural and human-induced factors has exacerbated the situation, leading to substantial casualties and extensive damage.
- Natural Causes of Flooding:
- Excessive Rainfall: Heavy and prolonged rainfall, especially during the rainy season, overwhelms the region’s drainage systems, leading to severe flooding.
- Terrain and Soil Composition: Borno’s terrain and soil types can influence how water is absorbed or runs off, contributing to the flooding. Areas with poor drainage or saturated soils are particularly vulnerable.
- Human Activities Exacerbating Flood Risks:
- Poor Environmental Planning: Inadequate urban and rural planning has led to development in flood-prone areas without sufficient flood mitigation measures.
- Housing Development: Construction in flood-prone zones without proper flood defenses increases the risk of flood damage.
- Deforestation: The removal of vegetation disrupts the natural water cycle, reducing the land’s ability to absorb rainfall and increasing runoff.
- Blockage of Drains: Unplanned developments and poor waste disposal practices often result in the blockage of natural and man-made drainage systems.
- Ineffective Waste Management: Improper waste disposal can clog drainage systems, exacerbating flood risks.
- Governmental Negligence: Inadequate policy design, weak enforcement, and poor implementation of flood management strategies contribute to the severity of tThe Consequences of Flooding in Borno State
The consequences of flooding in Borno State are severe and far-reaching:
- Loss of Life: Flooding has resulted in numerous fatalities, with many people losing their lives due to drowning, injuries, and related health issues.
- Displacement: Thousands have been displaced from their homes, leading to a humanitarian crisis as people seek shelter and aid.
- Infrastructure Damage: Roads, bridges, and buildings have been damaged or destroyed, hampering recovery efforts and daily life.
- Economic Impact: The economic burden of floods includes the loss of livelihoods, destruction of crops, and damage to properties and infrastructure.
WHO has deployed four mobile health teams comprising 20 medical personnel with essential drugs and medical supplies, to the affected areas in Maiduguri. The teams are providing treatment for minor ailments, routine immunization, antenatal and postnatal services as well as mental health care and coordinating medical referrals to larger hospitals.
To mitigate the risk of malnutrition and vector-borne diseases, food and non-food items including blankets and long-lasting insecticide treated nets, have been provided by state health authorities and partners, including WHO, at the Asheikh Jarma settlement.
Conclusion
Combating flooding in Nigeria, particularly in regions like Borno State, requires a comprehensive approach that combines effective solutions with forward-thinking strategies. By enhancing infrastructure, implementing sustainable urban planning, and fostering community-based approaches, Nigeria can better manage current flood risks. Adopting future strategies focused on climate change adaptation, strengthening policies, and promoting sustainable development will build resilience and prepare the country for future challenges. Through these efforts, Nigeria can work towards a safer and more resilient future in the face of flooding.