LINDII PEACE FOUNDATION MAIDUGURI FLOOD RESPONSE STRATEGY
The catastrophic flash flooding in the MMC and Jere LGAs of Maiduguri, triggered by the breach of the Alau Dam on September 9, 2024, has severely impacted over 239,000 individuals, leading to widespread humanitarian crises. The flooding has resulted in significant displacement, destruction of homes, and disruption of essential services, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in areas such as Gwange, Bama Road, and Maiduguri Main Market.[1] The rapid assessment conducted by Lindii Peace Foundation in Dalori and GSS Yerwa camps indicates that over 10,740 households (over 3,486 and 7,254 households in Yerwa and Dalari camps respectively) are currently displaced and taking refuge. 60% of the total population of IDPs (Over 63,594 individuals) currently occupying Dalori and Yerwa IDP camps are female (35% women and 25% girls) with 3% as pregnant and lactating women and 2% elderly persons. This number is projected to increase if the situation lingers or escalates further, as many affected individuals occupy the streets, filling stations, and open spaces with no shelter.
The most pressing issue arising from this disaster is the critical lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. The assessment reveals that 57% of households do not have adequate sanitation, forcing many to resort to open defecation, which poses severe health risks and contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases. Additionally, access to safe water for drinking is poor among households and 93% of households lack access to water purification methods. While the gaps in access to water are being bridged through water trucking by organizations, there is still the risk of water contamination during fetching and the types of containers used. The absence of handwashing facilities further exacerbates the risk of hygiene-related illnesses, highlighting an urgent need for immediate WASH interventions.
The flooding has devastated local livelihoods, with 97% of affected households identifying food assistance as an urgent priority. Many families have lost their food stocks and are unable to meet their basic nutritional needs, leading to heightened vulnerability to malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant or lactating women. The disruption in food supply chains and market access further complicates the situation, necessitating immediate food and nutrition support to prevent long-term health consequences.
The health situation is dire, with 62% of respondents unaware of where to seek medical assistance. The lack of health facilities in the camps and the increased incidence of sanitation-related health issues underscores the need for mobile health units to provide essential medical care. Additionally, 31% of households reported experiencing sanitation-related health problems, while 26% faced waterborne illnesses, indicating a pressing need for health promotion and disease prevention initiatives.
Vulnerable groups, particularly children and women, face heightened risks of exploitation and gender-based violence in the aftermath of the floods. The assessment indicates that 75% of respondents view children as the most vulnerable demographic, with many unaccompanied minors observed in the camps. The lack of protection services and safe spaces exacerbates these risks, necessitating immediate action to establish protection mechanisms and support services for affected individuals.
Response Strategy
The immediate priority for the Lindii Peace Foundation is to ensure access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities for the displaced populations in Dalori and Yerwa camps. Emergency water supply efforts will be scaled up through continued water trucking, ensuring that all households receive safe drinking water. To mitigate contamination risks during water fetching, water purification methods will be implemented at distribution points through chlorination. Additionally, there is a critical need to construct emergency latrines and bathrooms that are gender-sensitive and accessible for elderly persons and persons with disabilities. To further improve hygiene practices, handwashing stations will be installed near latrines and communal areas, equipped with soap. Also, the distribution of hygiene kits will be prioritized to improve hygiene practices. Community awareness campaigns will be launched to educate the IDP population on safe water handling, sanitation practices, and the importance of handwashing to prevent disease outbreaks. These interventions are essential to reduce the risk of hygiene-related illnesses and improve overall health outcomes in the camps.
Protection Mainstreaming will be incorporated into the response in the various camps to ensure the dignity and safety of displaced persons are upheld during the response. LPF will maintain a physical presence, providing help desk services for complaints and feedback responses to aid effective response delivery. The Toll-Free lines will also aid the complaints and feedback mechanism and ensure concerns are escalated and addressed immediately.
The table below shows the responses being provided and planned for the response per location.
[1] RRM – Rapid Needs Assessment Report (Flood Response MMC and JERE LGAs Maiduguri)
