UN Pledges Urgent Support for Borno Flood Victims
The United Nations has pledged immediate support for the thousands of people displaced by floods in Maiduguri, Borno State. The floods, caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam on September 9, have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in the region.
A high-level delegation led by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, visited Maiduguri on Saturday to assess the damage and outline support measures. The team met with affected residents, government officials, and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum.
Fall described the situation as “a crisis within a crisis,” with many people already facing humanitarian needs prior to the disaster. The floods have destroyed homes, businesses, and infrastructure, leaving thousands without basic necessities like food, clean water, and shelter.
The UN and its partners have launched an emergency aid effort, including airlifting food to hard-to-reach areas, trucking in clean water, and providing hygiene kits to prevent disease outbreaks. The UN has allocated $6 million from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund, with additional funding in the pipeline.
Governor Zulum expressed gratitude for international support, particularly the use of UN helicopters to deliver assistance to communities cut off by the flood. However, humanitarian needs are escalating rapidly, and the UN’s ongoing efforts are underfunded, with only 46% of the required $927 million secured.
As floods continue to devastate other states, including Bauchi, Enugu, and Bayelsa, additional resources are urgently needed to scale up lifesaving assistance. The UN’s swift response aims to alleviate the suffering of displaced families and support the rebuilding of their lives.
