Whether you follow current affairs or not, the news of the flooding in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, which has affected over one million people, according to the state government, and displaced 400,000, as reported by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), must have crossed your radar.
In addition to over 30 fatalities, many individuals remain missing. A prison wall was destroyed, raising concerns about the potential escape of Boko Haram leaders, according to Governor Babagana Zulum. Dangerous animals such as snakes and crocodiles were released from a zoo, adding to the peril.
Moreover, corpses were exhumed from Gwange Cemetery, leaving bodies floating in the floodwaters—a horrific sight that could easily haunt those who witnessed it. Commentators have reminded those familiar, and informed those unaware, of a similar disaster that occurred 30 years ago, in September 1994, when the Alo Dam collapsed due to structural failure caused by heavy rainfall.
That event stifled economic activities, led to the loss of livestock, and destroyed arable lands—much like what is happening today. This tragic incident has been attributed to natural phenomena, particularly the effects of climate change, such as the melting of glaciers at the North Pole.
This causes rising water levels, which eventually overflow into other parts of the world, resulting in devastating consequences in regions like Maiduguri. Others have blamed human negligence, arguing that regular assessments of the structural integrity of dams and proper risk mitigation measures should have been put in place.
These preventative actions could have averted the dam failure and flooding experienced in Maiduguri. Stakeholders have been urged to set aside blame and speculation about the causes of the flooding, and instead focus on recovery efforts. Governments, individuals, and organisations have been contributing cash and donations in kind to provide shelter, clothing, and food for the victims.
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However, a significant health risk remains inadequately addressed. Sewage, dumpsites, and other contaminated areas have been washed into different parts of the city, posing serious threats to public health and the environment. These areas harbour pathogenic microorganisms transmitted through water, increasing the risk of diseases such as cholera, dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease), typhoid, diarrhea, and hepatitis.
With 46 million Nigerians practicing open defecation, and northeastern states like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe having the highest numbers of people engaging in this practice, the health concerns are very real. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which has invested in the construction of over 7,000 toilet facilities in the region, these practices make the flood-ravaged areas more susceptible to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Nigeria is already witnessing a surge in cholera cases, with a reported 128% increase in infections in the last week alone. The displaced victims of this disaster are already vulnerable, and the government must place their health and safety at the forefront of recovery efforts.
But the situation extends beyond just physical health. The loss of loved ones, the haunting image of floating corpses, the destruction of homes and businesses, and the security concerns posed by prison escapees in a region already traumatized by insurgency—all of these factors contribute to a mounting mental health crisis.
The affected individuals must be given access to mental health professionals to help them process their trauma and navigate their future. While addressing the immediate needs of flood victims is critical for their short-term survival, tackling the broader health concerns—both physical and mental—will be crucial for their long-term recovery and well-being as a community.
Public health experts must be consulted to guide these efforts and ensure that Maiduguri’s residents can rebuild not only their homes but also their lives.
