Borno flood: Alau Dam spillway gate opened to avert collapse, flooding

The Alau Dam has opened one of its spillway gates, releasing water downstream to prevent a structural breach that could lead to a devastating flood in Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Areas of Borno State, Daily Trust reports. On September 10, 2024, the Alau Dam burst, submerging half of Maiduguri, killing dozens, displacing nearly a […]

The Alau Dam has opened one of its spillway gates, releasing water downstream to prevent a structural breach that could lead to a devastating flood in Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Areas of Borno State, Daily Trust reports.

On September 10, 2024, the Alau Dam burst, submerging half of Maiduguri, killing dozens, displacing nearly a million people, and destroying property worth billions of naira.

Residents of Alau village warned that the dam’s rising water levels could pose a serious threat to both the community and Maiduguri metropolis if not properly managed by the authorities.

One resident, who identified himself as Baana, confirmed that heavy-duty trucks had been deployed to the dam site where last year’s breach occurred.

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“They brought a concrete crusher truck and other machines to work on the cracked parts of the dike that burst and caused the flood last year. Also, tippers, cranes, builders, and sand are being used to reinforce the temporary embankment to prevent seepage or total collapse,” he said.

Another resident, Mala Lawan, told our correspondent that the fifth spillway was opened a few days ago to control the reservoir’s water level.

“That spillway has been closed for over 20 years, but the Chad Basin Development Authority opened it recently. They assured us that it was done with good intentions to control the water level and protect Alau village and Maiduguri from flooding,” he said.

Lawan noted that the community was alarmed by the development, considering the traumatic experience of last year’s flood that devastated downstream communities.

 

Heavy downpour triggers flood in Maiduguri

On Wednesday, heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding in various parts of Maiduguri, displacing hundreds of residents.

Our correspondent spoke with several residents who expressed concerns over this year’s rainfall pattern and the delayed completion of the N80 billion Alau Dam project, which they said increases the risk of flooding.

“Now that water is being released from Alau Dam, Maiduguri will face more flood challenges because most of our water discharge points are already full,” said Aliyu Waziri.

However, Prof Abubakar Kawu Monguno, a human geographer at the University of Maiduguri, said he doubts a direct link between the recent flood and the Alau Dam.

He attributed the flooding to seasonal heavy rains and unregulated building practices.

“People build houses in new layouts without proper road infrastructure. When the government later constructs roads, it raises them above the houses, creating drainage problems. The water cannot flow out properly during heavy rains, which typically peak in August and September,” he explained.

 

Chad Basin, SEMA issue conflicting advisories

Earlier, the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) tried to allay public fears, assuring that the dam’s water release was being carefully monitored and was flowing through controlled channels.

“Residents, especially those living around River Ngadda and the Gwange area, should not panic upon seeing the water; it is following its normal path,” said a statement signed by the CBDA’s Executive Director for Engineering, Engr. Mohammed Shettima.

However, the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) issued a contrasting advisory, warning of potential flooding along the same channels.

“Evacuate immediately: All communities and individuals near the Gadabul River and its tributaries must relocate to higher ground without delay,” the advisory said.

SEMA further warned residents to stay away from riverbanks due to “strong currents and sudden surges,” and urged them to secure property and remain informed through local media channels.

Wednesday’s downpour displaced hundreds of residents across Maiduguri. 

Police reported that eight buildings collapsed, though no casualties were recorded.

Affected areas include Bulunkutu, Pompomari Bypass, Damboa Road, Gamboru area, Baga Road, Gwange, Moduganari, Dala, Moranti, and Jiddari Polo.

Many residents interviewed expressed fear, recalling the devastation of the September 10, 2024, flood.

Both residents and motorists urged immediate intervention to mitigate the impact as the rainy season intensifies.

Speaking to our correspondent, a displaced resident of Gomari said their home was submerged within an hour of the rain.

He urged the state government to intervene by constructing large drainage and discharge outlets to ease water flow.

As of Thursday, the flood had receded in some areas, but it persisted in others. 

Sheikh Khalid of Gomari said residents were still struggling to evacuate water from their homes.

“The entire area is still flooded. We are exhausted from trying to clear water from our rooms,” he said.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed the flooding incident and said an on-the-spot assessment was conducted.

According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, patrol teams were deployed across affected areas.

“Unfortunately, eight buildings collapsed, but no casualties were recorded,” he said.

“To maintain order and protect lives and property, officers have been stationed at key locations to guard evacuated homes and deter looting or criminal activity.”