Survivors Rebuild Lives After Fatal Dam Collapse in Maiduguri

Sun Oct 19 2025 20:28:13 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A year after the devastating dam collapse in Maiduguri, nearly two million residents are still grappling with loss, displacement, and uncertainty as they face the looming threat of further flooding.

The city of Maiduguri, Nigeria, continues to deal with the fallout from a disastrous dam collapse that led to severe flooding last year, claiming at least 37 lives and displacing thousands. Many survivors, like Sa'adatu Dahiru and Maryam Jidda, are struggling to cope with the destruction of their homes and the loss of loved ones. The local government has initiated reconstruction efforts, yet residents express frustration over insufficient support as they seek to rebuild their lives in the face of new threats from seasonal rains.

The threat of flooding once again looms over the city of Maiduguri, in north-eastern Nigeria, a year after torrential rains and the collapse of a dam left entire neighbourhoods submerged in water.

For many residents who are still bearing the scars of last year's floods, the possibility of a repeat has created huge unease. At least 37 people died in the floods and two million had to abandon their houses after the widespread destruction of homes, farms, and businesses.

Forty-two-year-old Sa'adatu Dahiru lost her two-year-old son.

He died as a result of hunger and fever during the flood. We had no proper food, no medicine, and no safe place to stay, she shared, reflecting on the night they fled with only a few clothes.

Despite receiving some state support of 10,000 naira ($7; £5), Dahiru reported that government assistance has since halted. We are still waiting, still suffering, she lamented.

The Borno state government claims it has supported communities impacted by the disaster, establishing relief camps and providing food aid. Furthermore, reconstruction of the dam and dyke system at Alau has started, with more long-term goals for infrastructure improvement.

Insurgency and violence from the Boko Haram group have severely hindered maintenance of essential facilities like the dams, exacerbating the situation. Mohammed Shettima, an engineering department head, noted that worn dykes succumbed to heavy rains, leading to last year's devastating floods.

Now, as the rainy season approaches its peak, residents like Dahiru and Maryam Jidda, another flood victim who fled her home due to violence four years ago, grapple with the memories of loss and the need to start anew amidst overwhelming challenges.

Local governance has managed to coordinate significant funding and aid for displaced families, but the reality remains grim for many who continue living in makeshift shelters with limited resources. As the season progresses, fear of further disasters looms large.

Borno Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has recognized the daunting nature of the flood response, which has been complicated by the region's ongoing struggle against violent extremism.

With a significant portion of the population still awaiting adequate support, the community's resilience is put to the test as they confront both their past trauma and the uncertain future ahead.

As residents rebuild their lives, the haunting question remains - How do I start again when I have nothing?