Flooding in Nigeria: Dam Overflow Engulfs Zoo, Unleashes Crocodiles, Snakes into Communities
Floodwaters from an overflowing dam in northeastern Nigeria have wreaked havoc on the region, engulfing a zoo and releasing dangerous animals into communities, CNN reports.
Officials have described the flooding as one of the worst in recent years.
In Borno State, one of the hardest-hit areas, a state-run zoo experienced catastrophic damage as surging waters claimed the lives of “more than 80%” of its wildlife. The floodwaters swept crocodiles, snakes, and other animals from the zoo into surrounding neighborhoods.
The Alau Dam, located 20 kilometers southeast of the state capital of Maiduguri, overflowed over the weekend, causing widespread flooding that has left entire houses submerged. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) described the situation as the worst flooding in Maiduguri in 30 years.
While authorities have not confirmed any human deaths directly related to the dam overflow, over 200 people have died across Nigeria from flooding in recent weeks. The UNHCR estimates that 280,000 people have been affected in Maiduguri, with around 200,000 displaced.
The flooding crisis in Nigeria is a consequence of weeks of torrential rainfall across the country. The latest data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) shows 229 deaths and over 386,000 displaced individuals nationwide, with northern Nigeria bearing the brunt of the disaster.
Prior to the flooding, Nigeria’s meteorological agency (NIMET) had warned of the risk of flash floods across the country. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had also issued warnings about rising water levels in the Niger River, urging states to be prepared.
Climate change is exacerbating the risk of extreme rainfall events in Africa, including Nigeria. Projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predict an increase in the frequency and intensity of these events as global warming continues.
