Nigeria: Floods - Aug 2023

On 28 August, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation warned that about 13 Nigerian states would be at risk of intense flooding. It would happen between August and October, following the opening of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. The Nigerian Government identified the states most prone to flooding including Kogi, Benue, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. Floods in 2022 left over 600 people dead and affected more than 4.4 million people, according to the National Emergency Management Agency. The Government has set up a situation room and initiated a flood emergency preparedness and response plan, with temporary shelter and other relief items for affected people. Humanitarian actors in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States are complementing the government’s effort through engagement and sensitization of flood-prone communities. (OCHA, 31 Aug 2023)

The recent release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam has led to massive destruction, due to which there is damage to properties, foodstuffs, non-food items (NFI), shelter, and even displacement of the population in Adamawa State. On 5th October 2023, there was a rise in the water level in the Lagdo Dam due to heavy rainfall, which exaggerates the experience of flooding in the Adamawa state. Out of 21 LGAs in Adamawa State, 14 LGAs have been affected by the floods and windstorms. 33 deaths were recorded, with 504 households comprising 51,043 individuals affected across 214 communities. 81 IDP camps were established across Yola South, Yola North, Lamude, Madagali and Demsa LGAs respectively. (CCCM Cluster, IOM, Shelter Cluster, UNHCR, 13 Oct 2023)