Maiduguri Floods: Over 600,000 Displaced as CASFOD , Pam Care Step In Lifesaving Support

By Francis Okoye

The recent floods in Borno State, particularly in Maiduguri and Jere, have left a trail of devastation, displacing over 600,000 people and resulting in the deaths of at least 30 individuals.

The flooding, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam following heavy rainfall, has submerged critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and government buildings. Residents have been forced to flee their homes, with many now sheltering in makeshift camps.

Among the hardest-hit areas are the livestock and agricultural sectors, which are the primary sources of livelihood for many families. The floods have affected herds, leaving farmers without income or food. The destruction is especially dire for communities that heavily rely on livestock for their survival.

Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD) and Pam Care Community Initiative, two organizations with a longstanding presence in Borno, have stepped up to provide urgent relief. CASFOD is currently on the ground in Maiduguri, delivering clean drinking water, health and nutrition services, and hygiene items to displaced families in IDP camps. They have also been working with local and international partners like the World Food Programme (WFP), Intersos, CATAI, and BOWDI to provide hot meals and drinking water to those affected.

Pam Care and CASFOD had previously launched a successful livestock livelihood program, benefiting 1,700 vulnerable families. However, more than 70% of these families have now lost their livestock due to the floods, further exacerbating the crisis.

The risk of disease outbreaks, such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, remains high due to contaminated water sources and overcrowded camps. CASFOD and Pam Care are urgently appealing for additional support from the government and international donors to expand their relief efforts and rebuild the livelihoods of those affected.

As the situation worsens, CASFOD and Pam Care are working around the clock to provide critical interventions but we stress that more needs to be done. With more resources, we aim to address the immediate health and sanitation needs in the camps and help flood-affected families regain stability.

Local residents, who have lost their homes and livelihoods, are now relying on humanitarian efforts for survival. We emphasize that collective efforts are essential to prevent further suffering and ensure a swift recovery for Borno State’s most vulnerable populations.

Maiduguri Floods: Over 600,000 Displaced as CASFOD , Pam Care Step In Lifesaving Support