On the morning of September 10, 2024, the city of Maiduguri in Nigeria was hit by a devastating flood that submerged large parts of the city, causing a humanitarian crisis affecting more than 300,000 people. The flood occurred due to heavy rainfall, which led to a breach in the Alau Dam, resulting in widespread flooding that forced thousands of families to flee and severely damaged essential infrastructure.
Deteriorating Humanitarian Situation Amid Ongoing Relief Efforts
The situation worsened rapidly, and emergency aid became a top priority as basic services were disrupted, and homes, roads, and bridges were affected. Communication and electricity networks were damaged, and emergency response teams worked around the clock to provide humanitarian support. However, the scale of the disaster exceeded available resources, prompting widespread calls through media and social networks for urgent relief for those affected by the flood in Nigeria.
Humanitarian Organizations Collaborate in the Crisis
Temporary camps were established, including the Bakassi camp, which is currently hosting around 50,000 people. Government authorities began evacuating residents from the affected areas to safer zones, while the AFRIKA hayat Foundation teamed up with Humaniti and Barış organizations to respond to the urgent appeals coming from Maiduguri.
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Borno State Governor’s Visit and Distribution of Humanitarian Aid
On Sunday, September 29, 2024, the AFRIKA hayat Foundation met with the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, to provide humanitarian aid to the affected population. A total of 330 food baskets (benefiting 1,650 people) and 200 hygiene baskets (benefiting 1,000 people) were distributed, in addition to providing medicines to government clinics, helping 5,000 individuals.
Praise and Cooperation from Local Authorities and Leaders
The aid distribution was overseen by the government’s relief committee and was blessed by the Sheikh of Borno, the highest traditional leader in the state, who expressed his gratitude for the humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of the victims, particularly focusing on providing support to women and mothers with young children and infants.
The Afrika hayat Foundation calls on everyone to stand by the thousands of families in northern Nigeria who have lost their homes and possessions due to the floods. The organization emphasizes the urgent need to continue providing humanitarian support and alleviating the suffering of those affected by the disaster.
