Flooding in northeastern Nigeria displaces over a million, 30 dead

Severe flooding in northeastern Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of 30 individuals and displaced over a million residents. The disaster was triggered by the collapse of a major dam in Borno state, which had reached capacity due to unusually high rainfall. This incident marks one of the worst flooding events in the region since a similar dam failure occurred 30 years ago. The capital city, Maiduguri, has seen about 15% of its area submerged, leading to significant disruptions in daily life. The National Emergency Management Agency has reported that the number of affected individuals could rise to 2 million as assessments continue. The flooding has exacerbated food prices, particularly after the destruction of the central market, leaving many residents struggling to afford basic necessities. Additionally, there are growing concerns about wildlife, as several animals escaped from a partially destroyed local zoo, heightening fears among the population. This year's flooding is part of a broader trend, with over 2.3 million people affected across West Africa, a threefold increase from the previous year. The region is grappling with the impacts of climate change, which has led to significant economic losses, with African nations reportedly losing up to 5% of their GDP annually due to climate-related issues. The World Meteorological Organization has highlighted that many countries are allocating substantial portions of their budgets to climate adaptation efforts. Rescue operations are ongoing, with displaced individuals seeking refuge in a former camp outside the flood zone. The situation remains critical as authorities work to provide assistance and ensure the safety of those affected by this natural disaster.