In response to a cholera outbreak in Borno State, following devastating floods, the United Nations, humanitarian partners, and the Borno State Government have begun oral cholera and measles vaccination drives, along with vitamin A supplementation campaigns.
This comes nearly four weeks after the collapse of the Alau Dam, which triggered flash floods, particularly in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere local government areas (LGAs). With the floodwaters receding, many displaced residents are gradually returning home, though thousands remain in overcrowded and unsanitary temporary sites.
Despite the reduction in displaced persons from 400,000 to 50,000, humanitarian needs remain dire, particularly in terms of access to clean water, latrines, and emergency healthcare. Over 700,000 people sought shelter with relatives during the crisis, and protection services for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly are still urgently needed. Immediate intervention priorities include water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) support, as well as borehole rehabilitation and water supply measures.
Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, Borno’s Secretary of State Government (SSG) and head of the Expanded Flood Relief Committee, reported that 85,000 homes were damaged in the Greater Maiduguri area. He also highlighted the significant damage to local businesses, agriculture, and trade, with the region facing a deepening food security and public health crisis.
Meanwhile, other parts of Borno, such as Dikwa, remain submerged by floodwaters. Over 27,000 people, many already displaced, were again forced from their homes. Flooding disrupted supply chains, particularly affecting health facilities treating malnourished children. The UN, working with humanitarian partners, airlifted critical medical supplies to the area.
As flood response transitions into the recovery phase in some regions, efforts will shift toward restoring schools, healthcare, water facilities, roads, and bridges. Shelter solutions and livelihood programs, including agricultural support, are also being prioritized to help the community rebuild.
