When the Alau Dam in Borno State collapsed on September 9, 2024, the water caused a flood that claimed no fewer than 150 lives and displaced 419,000 people.
The disaster did not end there as a further 80% of the animals in the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo died. The United Nations (UN) described the incident as the worst flood disaster to hit Borno in three decades.
Following that disaster, President Bola Tinubu released N80 billion in February for immediate reconstruction of the dam to prevent future flooding. The first phase was to be completed by July.
With July ending in 72 hours, Alau Dam’s water level is rising fast, and emergency responders appear unsure of the potential risks.
Using satellite imagery, FIJ checked the water levels of the dam as recorded over the span of multiple days.
An overhead image of the area on July 21 shows water from the dam flowing through Makinta Meleri to the Konduga area of the state.
FIJ captured more images of the area on earlier dates. In June, the water level was lower, and the area between the dam and Konduga remained dry.
READ MORE: FG Budgeted N762m for Alau Dam Repairs in 12 Years. It Still Collapsed, Flooded Maiduguri
The earliest record of the water’s escape was on July 9.
According to a HumAngle report, residents of the areas near the dam were living in a state of confusion as the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) published conflicting advisory reports.
“The general public should note that the spillway gates of the Alau Dam have been opened for water in the reservoir to spill downstream steadily… people, especially those living within the River Ngadda and Gwange area, should not panic by seeing the water passing through its normal way,” the CBDA stated on July 23.
However, SEMA’s message read, “Evacuate Immediately: All communities and individuals living or working near the Gadabul River and its tributaries must relocate to higher ground without delay.”
With these conflicting reports in public, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) issued a statement on Sunday.
“NEMA Maiduguri remains on high alert and has assured residents that it will maintain round‑the‑clock monitoring and early warning updates to ensure the safety of lives and property,” the agency said via a statement signed by Zubaida Umar, its Director-General.
“The Agency is urging residents in low‑lying and flood‑prone areas to remain vigilant, heed official advisories, and promptly report any unusual rise in water levels.”
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