Devastating floods in Borno State leave businesses, communities in ruins

In the aftermath of the catastrophic floods that hit Borno State on September 10, local businesses and residents are struggling to rebuild their lives. The floodwaters, which resulted from heavy rains and structural damage to the Alau Dam, inundated large areas, affecting communities, homes, and commercial spaces.

One affected business owner, whose furniture store was located near Fori Bridge, rushed to salvage his livelihood as floodwaters rapidly rose. “We lost everything,” he said, reflecting the desperation of many small business owners in the area. His story is just one of thousands affected by the widespread destruction.

The flood impacted nearly two-thirds of Borno State, with Maiduguri, Jere, Konduga, and Mafa local governments among the hardest hit. The federal meteorological agency had issued warnings earlier in the year about the possibility of heavy rains, but the scale of the disaster left residents overwhelmed.

The Borno Chamber of Commerce estimated that the economic loss to commerce in the state reached about N27 billion between September 10 and 19. Thousands of small businesses have been severely impacted, leaving many questioning if they will ever recover.

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The federal and state governments, alongside international organizations like the World Food Programme, have launched relief efforts, but many affected residents say they have yet to receive assistance. The state government has set up committees to rebuild infrastructure, but the scope of the disaster makes it difficult to reach everyone.

The United Nations and environmental experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such events. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Nigeria is suffering severe consequences, particularly in vulnerable regions like the North-east.

In the aftermath, displaced families and businesses are left counting their losses. Many have sought refuge in camps, and the cost of essential items has surged due to destroyed farmlands and infrastructure. Business owners at Maiduguri’s Monday Market, already recovering from a fire earlier this year, expressed frustration as they faced another major setback.

Residents are calling for immediate support, not just for those in camps but also for small business owners who are struggling to restart their operations. As the region grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the scale of rebuilding required is immense, and urgent action is needed to prevent further humanitarian crises.