Nigeria: Flood Overview, As of 17 September 2024

Overview

The flood situation across Nigeria has become a major humanitarian crisis, with 31 states and 180 local government areas (LGAs) severely affected. Over 1,083,141 individuals have been impacted by the relentless rains, leading to widespread displacement, loss of lives, and destruction of homes and livelihoods. The floods have left 641,598 persons displaced, 285 people dead, and 2,504 injured. Houses, farmlands, and critical infrastructure have been devastated, with 98,242 homes affected.

In states like Bauchi, Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Jigawa, tens of thousands of individuals are struggling to cope with the aftermath. Borno alone has 414,000 affected persons, Bauchi has 94,022 affected persons, while Sokoto follows closely with 83,000. In terms of displacement, Borno, Sokoto and Bauchi are also among the hardest hit, with 389,267, 48,000 and 36,000 displaced persons respectively. The destruction of farmlands has further aggravated the crisis, threatening food security in these regions, with Bauchi experiencing the worst hit with 50,000 hectares submerged. Access to affected areas has been significantly hampered by the collapse of critical infrastructure such as bridges and culverts. In Yobe State, for instance, culverts in Garin Gada along the Potiskum-Jakusko and Jimbam along the Bayamari-Dapchi roads have collapsed, making it difficult to deliver humanitarian aid to isolated communities. Damaged access roads in Damaturu and Fune LGAs have further hindered relief efforts, prolonging the suffering of displaced populations who are in urgent need of food, shelter, and healthcare. The flooding has compounded pre-existing vulnerabilities, especially for those living in mud shelters. In Yobe State alone, over 5,865 shelters have been destroyed, leaving thousands without a roof over their heads. The displaced are now exposed to further risks of waterborne diseases, particularly in areas where health facilities have been damaged or rendered inaccessible. Clean water and sanitation remain top concerns as families struggle to access basic services. The Nigerian government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), state emergency agencies (SEMA), and humanitarian partners has initiated relief efforts across the worst-affected states.