In northeastern Nigeria, thousands of people are facing a humanitarian crisis after severe flooding devastated the city of Maiduguri.
The Diocese of Maiduguri is urgently asking for prayers and assistance as the situation worsens, with the flooding reaching its peak on September 10.
Unprecedented Flooding Hits Maiduguri
According to a recent announcement from the diocese, Maiduguri is currently experiencing its worst flooding in decades.
The city, which is located in Borno State, has seen entire neighborhoods submerged, with even St. Patrick’s Cathedral partially underwater.
Social media has been flooded with heartbreaking images of the city, showing rooftops barely visible above the water.
The Cause: Damage to the Alau Dam
The floods are believed to have been caused by significant damage to the Alau Dam, which is situated several miles from Maiduguri.
The collapse of the dam led to an overwhelming surge of water that has left thousands homeless.
The diocese highlighted that this is the worst flooding the region has seen in over 30 years, and the full extent of the fatalities is still unknown.
Urgent Appeal for Support
The Diocese of Maiduguri has been actively reaching out for both spiritual and material support.
They have called on people to donate whatever they can and, just as importantly, to spread the word about the dire situation.
“Please pray for us,” the diocese representative pleaded, stressing the urgent need for food, shelter, and basic sanitation for the displaced people.
Overwhelmed Refugee Camps
With government assistance limited, the diocese reports that internally displaced person (IDP) camps are filling up quickly, and resources are running thin.
The sheer number of displaced families has overwhelmed these camps, leaving many without basic necessities.
A Dangerous and Escalating Situation
As if the flooding weren’t enough, the diocese has also warned of additional dangers.
The floodwaters have broken through the boundaries of a local zoo, releasing dangerous animals into the city.
Moreover, there have been reports of a prison break, adding further chaos to an already unstable situation.
A Global Call for Prayer and Assistance
The international community is also beginning to take notice. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a pontifical charity foundation, has launched an emergency appeal for prayers and donations to help those affected by this disaster.
On September 11, the organization reached out to the Diocese of Maiduguri to assess the damage and better understand how they can offer support.
As the crisis continues to unfold, the people of Maiduguri desperately need help.
Prayers, donations, and awareness are crucial in this time of need.