Dam Collapse in Nigeria Causes Flooding and Escapes of Dangerous Reptiles

A dam collapse in Maiduguri, Nigeria, led to severe flooding, the evacuation of locals, and the escape of dangerous reptiles from a zoo. Approximately 15% of the city is underwater and 80% of the zoo animals perished in the flooding, further complicating an existing humanitarian crisis in Borno State due to Boko Haram violence.

On September 10, 2024, a dam in Maiduguri, Nigeria, collapsed, resulting in catastrophic flooding and the subsequent escape of dangerous reptiles from a local zoo. The calamity, which occurred in northeastern Nigeria, is reported to be one of the most severe flooding incidents since a similar dam failure witnessed three decades ago. The local government attributed the collapse of the Alau dam to significantly heavy rainfall, which had filled the dam to full capacity. Approximately 15% of Maiduguri, the state capital of Borno, has reportedly been inundated with water, compelling numerous residents to evacuate their homes, although no fatalities have been confirmed as of this report. The flooding has devastated the Borno State Museum Park, where it has claimed around 80% of the resident animals. Ali Abatcha Don Best, the general manager of the zoo, expressed grave concern over the situation, stating, “Some deadly animals have been washed away into our communities, animals like crocodiles and snakes.” The local authorities responded to the disaster by issuing a flooding alert and mandating immediate evacuations for individuals residing near riverbanks. In addition, all schools in the state have been temporarily closed for a fortnight. This dam collapse exacerbates an already dire humanitarian crisis in Borno State, which has suffered significantly due to the Boko Haram insurgency over the past ten years. The violence has led to over 35,000 deaths and the displacement of approximately 2.6 million people in the northeastern region of Nigeria.

Borno State, located in northeastern Nigeria, has a tumultuous history characterized by the violent activities of the Boko Haram insurgency, which seeks to establish an Islamic state in the region. This insurgency has severely impacted the local population, leading to immense humanitarian crises marked by loss of life and mass displacements. The recent dam collapse in Maiduguri not only results in environmental challenges but also compounds the difficulties faced by a population already struggling with instability and insecurity. This incident, notable for the escape of hazardous wildlife into populated areas, highlights vulnerabilities that arise during natural disasters in areas experiencing conflict.

The collapse of the Alau dam in Maiduguri has led to significant flooding, endangering local residents and wildlife alike. With reports of dangerous reptiles escaping and causing potential harm to communities, local authorities have taken immediate action in the form of evacuations and school closures. This incident underscores the interconnectedness of environmental disasters and ongoing humanitarian crises in conflict-affected regions.

Original Source: apnews.com