Flooding has been reported in numerous states in northeastern Nigeria since around 16 August, 2019, leaving houses and crops destroyed and causing fatalities.
Flooding has also affected some central areas of the country, including near the capital, Abuja, and in Niger State where the city of Bida recorded 86mm of rain in 24 hours to 23 August, 2019.
This is the second spate of rain and flooding in Nigeria in the last 3 weeks. In early August heavy rain caused flooding Adamawa, Kaduna, Imo and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Over the last 24 hours, World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported heavy rainfall (more than 50 mm in 24 hours) other areas of West Africa, including Ghana, Benin, Cameroon and Togo. Southern areas of Chad have also seen some heavy rain, including 80mm in 24 hours in Mongo on 23 August. Further west, Kaolack in Senegal recorded 184mm of rain in 24 hours to 23 August.
Northeastern Nigeria
Several states in the country’s north-east have been affected by heavy rain since around 16 August.
Jigawa State
At least 6 people died in Jigawa state after heavy rain and flooding that began around 18 August caused several buildings to collapse. Five people died in Kiri Kasama and another fatality was reported in Kafin Hausa.
The flooding in Kiri Kasama came after the Hadejia river broke its banks. Around 600 people have been displaced. Flooding also affected Guri, where around 100 people were displaced.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that flooding in Jigawa also destroyed houses and damaged farm land in areas around Dutse.
Yobe State
Media reported that floods caused by persistent rainfall destroyed at least 182 houses and displaced thousands of people in the town of Dapchi from around 16 August.
A report (pdf) from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) of 19 August said that incessant rains and flooding in Geidam had affected or displaced 2,802 and damaged 318 houses. Around 250 of those displaced are currently living in open spaces without shelter. The displaced persons are in dire need of shelter, food items and Non-Food Items, according to IOM.
Bauchi State
Local media reported that flooding in the Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi State on 20 August caused damage to around 400 farms in the area.
Borno State
In a report of 23 August, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said that heavy rain had caused flooding in displacement camps in Borno state.
“Displaced people are suffering due to relentless rains and wind battering their homes the last few days. Large numbers of families, who fled from conflict months ago, are left homeless while others are forced to share overcrowded tents with neighbours or relatives,” said Eric Batonon, Country Director for NRC in Nigeria.
According to NRC’s assessments, over 6,800 people living in displacement camps in Maiduguri have been impacted by floods in recent weeks. In Dikwa, 500 people have been rendered homeless due to flooding and have set up home in disused registration centres.
Gombe State
At least one person died in Dukku and Nafada Local Government Areas of Gombe State after the Gongola river broke its banks, according to local media reports.
Kano State
Flooding also affected parts of Kano State. Three people, believed to be children, were swept away by flood in the Saidawa area of the Danbatta Local Government Area on 20 August. Flooding also affected Makera, Turu and Unguwar Mahuta communities, destroying properties.
Central Nigeria
Heavy rain and flooding has also affected central areas of the country, including around the capital Abuja and in Niger State.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Heavy rain that began around 18 August caused flooding in Gudaba community of Kuje area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), destroying around 10 houses, along with shops, community buildings and some farm land, according to NAN.
Niger State
Heavy rain that began on 17 August caused flooding in Bosso and Chanchaga Local Government Areas of Niger State. Local media reported that 3 people died and over 500 were displaced.
