By Titilope Akosa, Executive Director, Centre for 21st Century Issues
The Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21st) expresses deep sympathy for the government and residents of Maiduguri, Borno State, in the wake of severe flooding that occurred on Tuesday morning, September 10, 2024. This catastrophic event, triggered by the collapse of Alau Dam and exacerbated by unusually high rainfall, has submerged large parts of the city, displacing thousands of residents, predominantly women and children.
The flooding in Maiduguri is a grim reminder of the escalating climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. This disaster underscores the urgent need to address climate-induced loss and damage, a challenge becoming increasingly prevalent across Nigeria and the globe.
It is important to note that:
- The collapse of Alau Dam, a significant water source for Maiduguri, has led to widespread flooding and destruction.
- Floodwaters submerging the zoo, cemetery, and other public infrastructure in Borno State, leading to the escape of animals, the exposure of buried bodies, and damage to essential infrastructure, could facilitate the spread of zoonotic diseases and other waterborne illnesses. This situation poses a significant threat to public health and increases the risk of displacement among vulnerable populations, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis. Immediate action is required to mitigate these risks and protect the health and safety of affected communities.
- The flooding compounds existing security and humanitarian challenges in Borno State.
- This event demonstrates the link between climate change and the increased frequency of extreme weather events.
C21st calls on the federal and state governments to:
- Ensure immediate relief and support for affected communities in Maiduguri while making comprehensive plans and preparations to safeguard public health, particularly for vulnerable populations in states where significant rainfall is anticipated in the coming weeks.
- Invest in climate resilience and adaptation measures to prevent future disasters, including conducting dam assessments and making necessary investments to address the impacts of extreme weather events.
- Support and engage in the ongoing process of operationalising the Fund for Loss and Damage, advocating for the deployment of financial instruments that align with climate finance delivery at both national and sub-national levels. This is essential for ensuring a prompt and effective response to climate-induced loss and damage in developing countries.
As we approach global climate negotiation and the third meeting of the Fund for Loss and Damage, this disaster serves as a sobering reminder of what’s at stake. C21st urges policymakers and the international community to prioritise climate justice and support for communities facing the irreversible impacts of climate change.