‘We Are Still Waiting, Still Suffering’: The Lingering Legacy of Nigeria’s Deadly Dam Collapse!
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Sele Media Africa
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Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 11, 2025
‘We Are Still Waiting, Still Suffering’: The Lingering Legacy of Nigeria’s Deadly Dam Collapse
One year after the catastrophic collapse of the Alau Dam in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, survivors continue to grapple with the aftermath of one of the country’s most devastating natural disasters. The dam’s failure on September 10, 2024, unleashed unprecedented flooding that claimed over 150 lives, displaced more than 419,000 people, and affected over one million residents in Maiduguri and surrounding areas. [1]
A Year of Unfulfilled Promises
Despite initial pledges of support from federal and state authorities, many displaced individuals remain in temporary shelters with limited access to basic necessities. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that while efforts have been made to provide relief, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed available resources. [2]
“We are still waiting, still suffering,” says Amina Yusuf, a mother of four who lost her home in the flooding. “The government promised to rebuild, but nothing has changed.”
Infrastructure and Health Crises Persist
The flooding not only destroyed homes but also critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and healthcare facilities. The collapse of the dam led to the submersion of approximately 70% of Maiduguri, severely hampering rescue and relief operations. [3]
Health officials have raised concerns about the increased risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, exacerbated by overcrowded living conditions and inadequate sanitation in displacement camps.
Calls for Accountability and Preventive Measures
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has criticized the government’s handling of the disaster, citing a lack of coordination among emergency response agencies and failure to maintain critical infrastructure. [3]
“The collapse of the Alau Dam represents a failure in governance,” stated RDI Executive Director Philip Jakpor. “There must be accountability and a concerted effort to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Climate Change and Future Risks
Experts warn that climate change is likely to increase the frequency and severity of such disasters. The World Meteorological Organization has noted that many African nations, including Nigeria, are experiencing more extreme weather events, with inadequate infrastructure to cope with the challenges. [4]
Conclusion
As the affected communities mark the first anniversary of the Alau Dam collapse, the lingering hardships serve as a stark reminder of the need for effective disaster management, infrastructure investment, and climate adaptation strategies.
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Citations:
1. Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alau_Dam?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. AP News: apnews.com/article/flooding-northern-nigeria-borno-dam-collapse-60ed5b7bddfc4a5b65c0a0573d735d2b?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2024/09/maiduguri-dam-collapse-represents-failure-in-governance-rdi/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Le Monde.fr: www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2024/09/12/from-guinea-to-chad-floods-affect-3-5-million-people-killing-nearly-900_6725832_124.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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