The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that severe flooding in Borno State has affected over one million people, with 414,000 displaced following the overflow of the Alau Dam due to heavy rains. This marks the worst flooding in the region in 30 years, according to the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council and local residents of Maiduguri.

NEMA confirmed that 30 people have died, and more than 23,000 households have been impacted by the rising waters. Major areas of Maiduguri were submerged, including the Shehu of Borno’s palace, the state secretariat, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The flood also devastated 80% of the animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park zoo, and damaged homes, schools, commercial buildings, and worship centers.

President Bola Tinubu expressed concern and ordered the evacuation of affected residents, while Vice President Kashim Shettima conducted an on-site assessment. Governor Babagana Zulum revealed that a third of Maiduguri had been flooded, affecting over one million people. The Federal Government has allocated ₦3 billion for relief efforts, with ₦10,000 in cash distributed to each displaced household.

Search and rescue operations continue, while authorities work to recapture inmates who escaped from a correctional facility damaged by the flood.