On the night of September 9, 2024, severe flash flooding triggered the collapse of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area (LGA) in Borno State. This has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and is happening at the height of the lean season food and nutrition crisis. NORCAP expert Christopher Agutu is working with UN OCHA and supporting the emergency response.
NORCAP supports localised flood response in North East Nigeria
As of September 15, over 414,000 people have been, with 37 reported deaths and 58 injuries. In response, the Borno State Government, with support from humanitarian and development partners, has launched an emergency operation to assist those displaced and affected.
As of September 15, over 414,000 people have been, with 37 reported deaths and 58 injuries. In response, the Borno State Government, with support from humanitarian and development partners, has launched an emergency operation to assist those displaced and affected.
I lost everything in the floods. I have nothing left, and my family’s survival depends entirely on receiving food and shelter in this camp. Without a wheelchair, I can’t even join the queue for assistance because of my disability.Maryam, internally displaced
More than 300,000 individuals have been registered across at least 26 relocation sites, according to the Borno State Government’s Emergency Operation Centre, with registration still ongoing. Many of the affected individuals had already been displaced multiple times due to conflict and insecurity in Maiduguri, making them particularly vulnerable.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) bring valuable experience that complements international actors and fills critical gaps, making humanitarian responses more inclusive, swift, and effective. Their deep understanding of local contexts enables faster action, while their community presence fosters trust. By engaging directly with affected populations, CSOs ensure voices are heard and needs addressed. Their sustained presence supports the transition from emergency response to recovery and developmentChristopher Agutu, NORCAP expert
The NORCAP Localisation Adviser, Christopher Agutu, based at the UN OCHA office in Maiduguri, is engaging with state government authorities and humanitarian actors to ensure effective coordination, equitable partnerships, and inclusion of all parties involved. This includes local civil society organisations (CSOs), which are playing a critical role in the response and are often the first line responders in emergencies.
Chris’ primary role has been to mobilise CSO representatives to participate in planning and response meetings, as well as providing information from the Emergency Response Coordination Centre, which is led by Borno State Government and OCHA.
On 14 September, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall announced the allocation of US $6 million from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF) towards the flood response in the Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. This followed a high-level visit to Maiduguri on the same day comprising UN heads of agencies, country directors of international and local NGOs, as well as donors, led by Mr. Fall.
