Water on the Horizon: “Maiduguri’s Fight for Survival, a Community Battling Climate Disasters”

By: Ibrahim Wambai

In the early hours of September 10, 2024, Maiduguri woke to what seemed like a typical rainy day, “a familiar yet terrifying sight”. Within hours, the calm was shattered as torrents of water rushed through streets, sweeping away belongings, vehicles, and homes. For many residents, the familiar rhythm of daily life was upended. Children heading to school and traders opening shops were forced to scramble for safety as water levels rose dangerously. The floodwaters swallowed entire neighborhoods, turning bustling roads into rivers and trapping families in their homes. This sudden and overwhelming catastrophe transformed what began as a routine day into a struggle for survival, leaving lives and livelihoods forever changed.

From farmers watching their crops wash away to business owners seeing their shops submerged, the flood has left no corner of Maiduguri untouched. The entire community, once preoccupied with the day-to-day hustle of rebuilding from past challenges, now faced a new catastrophe that has deepened the fragility of the region.

Background

Maiduguri, the capital City of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, has faced repeated challenges with extreme weather events over the years. The city sits in a region with seasonal rivers, Ngadda and Yedseram. Alau Dam, situated on the Ngadda River, plays a crucial role in water flow management. However, extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall have become more frequent and intense due to climate change.

Image source: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Bethesda, MD, USA

Historically, Maiduguri has experienced several devastating floods, notably in 1992, 1994, and 2012. These floods have left thousands of residents displaced, homes destroyed, and infrastructure damaged. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has noted an increase in unpredictable weather patterns in the region, with longer rainy seasons contributing to excessive water flow into these rivers, leading to recurrent flooding. This aligns with broader climate change trends across Nigeria, where rising global temperatures are causing more extreme weather, including droughts and floods in different parts of the country. There was an early warning, that failure to take appropriate action could prove disastrous if overlooked.

The decline in socio-economic conditions further exacerbates the impact of flooding in Maiduguri. Decades of unrest, largely owed to the Boko Haram insurgency, have left the region’s infrastructure fragile. Roads, drainage systems, and water management facilities are poorly maintained or insufficient to handle the increased water levels, making the city even more vulnerable. The region’s fragile economy and its reliance on agriculture is easily disrupted by floods, leading to food insecurity and loss of livelihoods. Additionally, unchecked urban expansion, deforestation upstream, and poor land-use planning contribute to soil erosion, which increases runoff and worsens flood severity in north eastern Nigeria. Together, these factors have created a situation where every flood represents a significant humanitarian disaster for the local population.

Impact on Lives

The human impact of the recent flood in Maiduguri was notably devastating, with countless families losing their homes and livelihoods overnight. Entire communities were displaced as floodwaters swept through residential areas, destroying houses, farmlands, and essential infrastructure. The force of the water had not only damaged properties but also disrupted access to basic services like clean water, sanitation, and electricity.

Many families who depended on agriculture for their livelihood saw their farmlands submerged, leading to the destruction of crops and an expected rise in food insecurity in the region. This situation is particularly concerning as Borno State has long struggled with food shortages due to conflict and insurgency related disruptions. With livelihoods washed away, these displaced populations now face the prospect of long-term economic hardship, compounding the challenges they were already enduring from the ongoing insurgency.

Reports from local authorities suggest that thousands have been affected, with homes completely submerged and infrastructure severely damaged. While emergency response teams were deployed, rescue operations faced significant hurdles due to the destruction of key access roads and bridges, which had been rendered impassable. The Nigerian Red Cross and other relief agencies worked to provide directions to temporary shelters (IDP camps), but the number of displaced people was overwhelming, putting a strain on available resources according to interviews with some victims.

Early estimates suggested that hundreds of homes and hectares of farmland were destroyed. Displacement was notable to force migration to temporary camps, where conditions were already precarious. As rescue operations continued, the true scale of the damage was being assessed, but it was clear that the flood had left a deep humanitarian crisis in its wake. When floods destroy homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, they force families to relocate, straining resources and overpopulating Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.

Impact on Internal Displacement and Forced Migration

As of 2023, over 3.1 million people in northeastern Nigeria, including Maiduguri, have been displaced due to a combination of conflict and climate-related disasters . The recent floods have only worsened this situation, with homes and farmland inundated, leaving people with no choice but to seek refuge in already overcrowded IDP camps. The destruction of livelihoods such as farming and fishing — the mainstay of many rural families — adds to the pressure to migrate, creating a cycle of displacement that makes recovery harder for the affected populations.

A study by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) found that climate-related events, particularly floods, accounted for over 70% of forced displacement in northern Nigeria. The floods in Maiduguri, caused by the failure of the Alau Dam’s infrastructure and poor management, have accelerated the migration of thousands of people to IDP camps in the region, which are already burdened with limited resources, poor sanitation, and health challenges and risks.

Strained IDP Camps and Public Health Risks

IDP camps in and around Maiduguri were originally designed for populations fleeing conflict, not climate-induced disasters. This dual burden of conflict and environmental displacement has significantly strained their capacity. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), about 1.9 million people are currently living in IDP camps across Borno State . These camps lack adequate sanitation, clean water, and medical services, leading to a rise in public health challenges such as cholera, malaria, and malnutrition . The arrival of new populations displaced by flooding worsens these conditions, increasing the spread of waterborne diseases.

The fragile health infrastructure in Maiduguri cannot handle the simultaneous influx of climate migrants and conflict-displaced persons. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the overpopulation of IDP camps increases the risk of disease outbreaks, putting even more pressure on healthcare systems that are already under-resourced .

The recent floods have exposed the critical need for better flood management and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the effects of climate disasters. However, addressing the immediate consequences — such as increased internal displacement and public health risks — requires a more holistic approach that considers the region’s socio-economic fragility. Strengthening disaster preparedness, improving drainage systems, and addressing the root causes of forced migration through sustainable livelihoods and climate adaptation are crucial steps towards reducing the burden on IDP camps and preventing future crises.

Analysis of Causes

The root causes of the recent flood lie in both natural and man-made factors. The region’s extreme weather patterns, driven by global climate change, have contributed to torrential (cloudburst) rainfall. However, inadequate urban planning, deforestation, and poor maintenance of the dam and local drainage systems has made the region more vulnerable to such disasters. Additionally, years of conflict in northeastern Nigeria has weakened the region’s infrastructure, leaving communities unprepared to handle such emergencies.

The flooding in Maiduguri can be traced back to a combination of natural and man-made factors, exacerbating the city’s vulnerability. Some of the factors are discussed below:

Natural Factors: Maiduguri’s geographical location makes it particularly susceptible to seasonal flooding. The city is situated near the Yedseram and Ngadda Rivers, both of which are tributaries of Lake Chad. During the rainy season, these rivers swell, causing water levels to rise and flood the surrounding areas. The flat terrain of Maiduguri further contributes to poor drainage, making it difficult for flood waters to recede quickly.

Additionally, the region has experienced more unpredictable weather patterns in recent years, with extended rainy seasons and heavier rainfall, attributed to climate change. According to NiMet (the Nigerian Meteorological Agency), Maiduguri and surrounding regions have seen an increase in extreme weather events, with rainfall exceeding historical averages during peak seasons. This has made flood events more frequent and severe.

Man-Made Factors: Human activities have also significantly contributed to the severity of the flood. The city’s population has grown rapidly, partly due to the influx of displaced persons fleeing insurgencies in the region. This population surge has placed immense pressure on local infrastructure, including urban drainage systems. Many areas lack proper drainage, and in regions where drainage exists, it is often poorly maintained, leading to waterlogging and flooding during heavy rains.

Moreover, the city’s urban planning has not kept pace with its population growth, resulting in haphazard construction and limited green spaces that could have helped absorb excess rainwater. Informal settlements, often located in flood-prone areas, are particularly vulnerable. Poor waste management also clogs drainage systems, preventing water from flowing freely and increasing flood risk.

The Alau Dam — A Dual-Edged Sword for Maiduguri’s Future

Synthesis of the Alau Dam: Issues and Lessons for Future Resilience

The culprit of the most recent catastrophe in Maiduguri, Alau Dam, originally built between 1984 and 1986, was conceived as a beacon of hope for the residents of Maiduguri. Designed to provide water for irrigation, domestic use, and to control flooding, it was envisioned as a lifeline for the surrounding agricultural regions and the growing urban center. Yet, as time has revealed, the dam has become a double-edged sword. While it continues to offer crucial economic and social benefits, its poor maintenance and mismanagement has transformed it into a growing threat to the region’s fragile humanitarian crisis and infrastructure.

In 2013, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted to examine the dam’s impact on the local ecosystem and communities. The findings provided a clear warning, underscoring the urgent need for reform in the dam’s management and infrastructure upkeep. Unfortunately, many of these warnings went unheeded.

Major Problems Identified in the Environmental Impact Assessment

Consistent Flooding: One of the dam’s primary functions — flood control — has been severely compromised over the years. Rather than mitigating flooding, poor maintenance and mismanagement have exacerbated it. During periods of heavy rainfall, the dam’s spillway overflows. The volume of water released overwhelmed downstream areas, including Maiduguri. This flood, far from being an isolated incident, is part of a disturbing pattern.

Erosion and Sedimentation: The dam’s infrastructure has suffered from ongoing sedimentation caused by erosion from upstream areas. Over time, this has weakened the riverbanks, increasing the region’s vulnerability to floods. As sediment builds up in the reservoir, the water quality has deteriorated, encouraging weed growth thereby making the water unsuitable for domestic use.

Poor Maintenance: Perhaps the most alarming issue identified in the EIA is the lack of regular maintenance. Key structures, such as the dam’s evacuation valves, have not received the necessary attention, leading to a breakdown in their functionality when they are most needed. This neglect is a significant factor behind the frequent flooding in recent years, leaving residents with little to no warning before disaster strikes.

Economic and Social Benefits at Risk

Despite these challenges, the Alau Dam has contributed positively to Maiduguri’s economy and social fabric. The dam has supported agricultural productivity, providing water for farming and fishing, two crucial industries in the region. Riverine transport, facilitated by the dam, has also been a key economic activity, helping to move goods and people across the region. Additionally, the dam has created government jobs tied to its operations, contributing to local employment.

On the social front, the dam has long been a hub for recreational activities and traditional festivals, drawing in both locals and tourists. However, with the dam’s recent failures, these cultural activities have been increasingly threatened.

Ecological Benefits and Threats

Ecologically, the dam has provided essential services, such as flood control and the deposition of alluvial soil, which has enhanced the fertility of the surrounding farmland. Yet, the economic and ecological threats stemming from its mismanagement are substantial.

Frequent floods have led to the destruction of farms, economic trees, and markets, further destabilizing the region’s already fragile economy. Forced resettlement is becoming more common as communities in flood-prone areas are relocated, weakening community ties and breaking down long-standing family and friendship connections.

Economic and Social Threats from Dam Mismanagement

The destruction of economic assets is not the only concern. Forced resettlement, as a result of recurrent flooding, has displaced families and led to the disruption of livelihoods, weakening the overall cohesion of the region. Community integration is becoming more difficult as people are forced to abandon their homes and rebuild elsewhere, often without adequate support or resources.

Moreover, the ecological threats are growing. Sediment buildup in the reservoir is leading to increased weed growth, clogging water channels, and affecting water quality. This has reduced the dam’s effectiveness in delivering clean water to the surrounding population, exacerbating public health concerns.

A Foreseeable Catastrophe

The recent floods, devastating as they are, were not entirely unpredictable. The 2013 EIA had already warned of the potential for such disasters if the dam’s management continued to falter. Unfortunately, recommendations from the EIA, such as improved maintenance protocols and better coordination during heavy rainfall, were not fully implemented.

Resilience and the Path Forward

As we look toward the future, it is essential to learn from these events. If Maiduguri and the surrounding areas are to avoid similar disasters, significant changes must be made. The region needs to implement comprehensive maintenance and monitoring protocols for the Alau Dam to ensure its continued functionality.

Here are several recommendations that could prevent future catastrophes:

• Regular Maintenance: Ensuring that key infrastructure such as evacuation valves and drainage systems are properly maintained.
• Ecosystem Restoration: Undertaking reforestation efforts upstream to prevent further erosion and sedimentation.
• Improved Urban Planning: Given the population pressures in Maiduguri, better urban planning is needed to create resilient communities less vulnerable to floods.
• Early Warning Systems: Establishing flood early warning systems based on data from environmental agencies such as NiMet to give residents adequate time to evacuate.

By adopting these measures, Maiduguri can begin to build a more resilient future, ensuring that the Alau Dam serves the community as a protector, not a destroyer.

( images and data on the threats documented by the EIA report.)

Experts have long warned that Maiduguri’s vulnerability to floods is increasing due to climate change. According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the city has seen a steady rise in unpredictable weather patterns, with wet seasons and heavier rainfall. Environmental scientists also emphasize that unchecked deforestation in areas upstream of the Yedseram River has led to soil erosion, which worsens the severity of floods.

Climate change has shifted the balance of seasonal rainfall, making it more unpredictable and intense. The heavy rainfall Maiduguri experiences is no longer confined to the traditional rainy season but spreads over longer periods, overwhelming natural watercourses and artificial infrastructures such as dams and drainage systems. NiMet has reported that these altered rainfall patterns will continue to worsen, and the increased warming of the planet means more moisture in the atmosphere, leading to frequent and intense downpours.

Environmental scientists also point to the role of lack of forest cover upstream, particularly around Lake Chad and its tributaries. Forests, which naturally absorb rainwater and slow the flow into rivers, have been drastically reduced due to human activity. This has led to soil erosion, allowing floodwaters to surge more rapidly downstream, compounding the effects of climate-induced heavy rains.

Looking to the future, experts warn that climate-induced disasters will continue to rise in frequency and severity unless substantial mitigation measures are put in place. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a sharp increase in the number of extreme weather events across sub-Saharan Africa, including floods, droughts, and heatwaves. NiMet has also emphasized that the vulnerability of communities like Maiduguri will intensify if urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation efforts are not improved. Without significant adaptation and mitigation efforts, floods like the one seen in Maiduguri may become even more frequent, causing greater devastation to lives, livelihoods, and local economies.

The implications are clear: without stronger flood control measures, proper management of the Alau Dam, and an integrated climate adaptation plan, Maiduguri will continue to face recurrent floods with worsening impacts on its population.

This expert consensus highlights the urgent need for more resilient urban planning, reforestation efforts, and investment in climate adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable communities from the inevitable impacts of climate change.

Official Response & Preparedness:

Maiduguri’s preparedness for the recent flood revealed significant gaps in both proactive planning and emergency response. Although local authorities issued warnings, the city’s infrastructure and disaster management strategies are not fully equipped to mitigate the impacts of this severe flood.

The State Commissioner of Information, Professor Babagana Tar, released a statement titled “Flooding Alert for River Bank Residents,” urging immediate evacuation. He emphasized the unusually high water volume this year and the urgency of residents along the riverbank to protect their properties and lives. He also mentioned that the Alau Dam had broken down a new channel, destroying farms and posing a risk to nearby communities. In the statement, he further urged residents to follow designated evacuation routes for safe passage. This statement reflected the real-time response of the state authorities to prevent further loss of lives.

However, while the warnings were timely, the overall response revealed shortcomings in infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had forecasted increased rainfall and possible flooding in the region, but these warnings weren’t adequately reflected in preemptive measures such as reinforcement of critical infrastructure or creation of flood control systems. Drainage systems in Maiduguri, for example, are inadequate to handle such a large volume of water, and urban planning has failed to account for the influx of displaced persons due to conflict, further straining these systems.

Government disaster preparedness strategies have been reactive rather than preventive. While evacuation routes were established and done by boats, many residents reported difficulties in reaching safety due to damaged roads and bridges. Emergency response teams were overwhelmed, highlighting a lack of resources and coordination to handle a disaster of this scale. Despite ongoing efforts by the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relief organizations, the damage to infrastructure hindered relief operations and timely assistance to those displaced by the flood.

In conclusion, while the state government, through Professor Tar’s statement, took swift action to warn residents and initiate evacuations, the overall response to the flood exposed underlying weaknesses in Maiduguri’s disaster management framework, from infrastructure resilience to the efficiency of emergency relief operations. This event underscores the need for more robust flood mitigation systems and better planning to protect vulnerable populations in the future.”

RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

To mitigate the effects of future floods, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Infrastructure improvements, such as upgrading the Alau Dam’s flood control mechanisms and enhancing drainage systems, must be prioritized. There should be an increased focus on early warning systems that alert communities to impending floods, allowing them more time to evacuate safely.

At the same time, the local government must work closely with international organizations to establish long-term climate adaptation strategies, including sustainable land use practices and urban planning reforms. Initiatives like afforestation in upstream regions of the Ngadda River and sustainable agricultural practices can also reduce the risks associated with extreme flooding. As we express our sympathy for the residents affected by this disaster, it is crucial to recognize that this was a foreseeable event. Had proper maintenance and operational practices been followed, much of the damage could have been mitigated. The lessons from this tragedy must inform future decisions to ensure sustainable management of the dam and resilience for the people who depend on it.

Whilst Maiduguri recovers from this latest flood, it is clear that more must be done to protect its residents from future climate disasters. The response to this crisis underscores the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure, building community-level preparedness, and addressing the root causes of climate vulnerability. With coordinated efforts from local, national, and international partners, there is hope that Maiduguri can rebuild stronger and better equipped to withstand the environmental challenges that lie ahead.