The Impact of Flooding in some African countries

The environment we inhabit is faced with natural disasters such as flooding. But some floods are a result of environmental negligence: no maintenance by way of maintenance.

In Nigeria, Maiduguri, the Borno state capital and parts of Jere Local Government Area, thousands of residents are now displaced following the collapse of the dyke and overflow of Alau Dam which is about 10kms away from the metropolis. The incident started last week. 

Bukar Tijjani, Secretary to the Government,  led a delegation to assess the situation of the Dam and encouraged the public not to panic as measures would be taken to reduce any disaster, but water flows into the city from Monday evening to date. 

The incident has taken many communities including the Shehu’s Palace, Monday Market, Post Office area, Gwange, Moromoro Customs Bridge, Zoo, and Bulabullin, among others. 

Similarly, in Yobe State, only five local government areas are accessible to Damaturu the state capital as many settlements were totally cut off as flooding has destroyed bridges, roads, houses, and property worth billions of naira.

Kenneth Daso, Police Public Relations Officer, Borno State Command, has advised citizens to avoid flooding routes and remain in safer areas as Police and other relevant government agencies are working to ensure the safety of lives and property. 

And now, Algeria and Morocco are facing deadly flooding caused by torrential rains. More than 20 persons have died and dozens of others are missing in both countries after floods consumed villages in the normally dry region. 

In Morocco, homes, roads, electricity, water supply, and phone networks were damaged. Officials say the two days of storms on the weekend in some cases saw rain exceeding the annual average rainfall. The torrential rains came at a time when the country was struggling with a water shortage caused by six years of drought. 

It was a similar situation in neighbouring Algeria with bridges and train lines also damaged. The government has sent thousands of civil protection and military officers to help with emergency response efforts and assist people trapped in their homes. Rescue efforts are ongoing in both countries.