Alau Dam
| Alau Dam | |
|---|---|
| Location | Borno State, Nigeria |
| Coordinates | 11°43′27″N 13°17′06″E / 11.72417°N 13.28500°E |
| Construction began | 1984 |
| Opening date | 1986 |
| Demolition date | September 10, 2024 (destroyed in a flood) |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Ngadda River |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Lake Alau[citation needed] |
| Total capacity | 112 million cubic metres (4.0 billion cubic feet)[1] |
The Alau Dam was situated in the Alau community of Konduga local government area of Borno State in the Northeast region of Nigeria, constructed in 1984–1986.[2] It impounds a major reservoir on the Ngadda River, one of the tributaries of the Lake Chad.[3][4][5] In 2024, the dam collapsed, causing catastrophic flooding in Borno State and killing over 150 people, with at least 419,000 people displaced.[6]
Flows
The inflow of water into Alau and Jere Bowl depends mainly on the natural inflow of the Ngadda River, which is seasonal. The Ngadda River is a tributary of the larger Yedzeram River, which originates in the Hudu Hills east of Mubi and flows northwest to Lake Chad. During the wet season, the Yedzeram River contributes a massive inflow of water into the Ngadda River, which then flows into Alau and Jere Bowl. However, during years of low rainfall, the Yedzeram River does not contribute as much water to the Ngalda River, and the inflow into Alau and Jere Bowl can be significantly reduced.[citation needed]
Alau Dam receives water from the Yedzram and Gombole rivers which meet at the Sambisa Forest and flow as the Ngadda river into the dam. Alau Dam receives a wide variety of waste from agricultural lands. Its reservoir was also used for commercial fishing.[citation needed]
History
The Alau Dam was constructed in 1984–1986 to provide water for irrigation and domestic use in Maiduguri.[2] The dam also helps to control flooding in the area. However, the dam has also been the cause of flooding in some cases. In 1992, the dam reached its maximum storage level and spilled over, causing flooding in Jere Bowl. In 1994, a flash flood from the Yedzeram River caused extensive flooding in Maiduguri. In 2012, torrential rainfall caused the Alau Dam to open its evacuation valve, releasing a massive amount of water that caused flooding in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
Collapse
On 9 September 2024, the dam collapsed following heavy rains, resulting in floods that inundated up to 15% of Maiduguri and killed more than 80% of the animals in the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo.[7] At least 150 people were killed due to flooding in the area.[8][9] Several hundred thousand people were displaced from their homes in Maiduguri.[10]
Area
Alau Dam was 9 metres (30 ft) high[dubious – discuss] with a square reservoir area of about 50 kilometres (31 mi).[citation needed] The maximum storage capacity is 112 million cubic metres (4.0 billion cubic feet).[1]
References
- ^ a b Chibundu, Janefrances (10 September 2024). "REWIND: In 1994, Alau Dam collapsed, displacing 400,000 persons in Maiduguri". TheCable. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
- ^ a b Ibrahim Adeyemi; Mansir Muhammed; Alamin Umar; Usman Abba Zanna (14 September 2024). "Maiduguri Floods: The Unfortunate Series Of Events That Led To The Breakdown Of Alau Dam". HumAngle. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
- ^ "Alau Dam: Agency to release excess water from dam, warns Maiduguri residents". Peoples Gazette. 17 August 2021. Archived from the original on 2 January 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
- ^ "Alau Dam: Agency alerts Maiduguri residents on plans to release excess water". Naturenews.africa. 10 September 2022. Archived from the original on 2 January 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
- ^ Abbagana, Amina (19 August 2021). "Child drowns after Alau Dam gates opened to release excess water". Radio Ndarason International. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
- ^ "Nigeria floods kill at least 30 people and displace some 400,000". France 24. 11 September 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
- ^ Shibayan, Dyepkazah (11 September 2024). "Dam collapse in Nigeria sweeps deadly reptiles into flooded communities". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 10 September 2024. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ "Deluge of Death: Flood leaves Nigerian community in ruins". The Premium Times. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ Shibayan, Dyepkazah (12 September 2024). "Flooding in northeastern Nigeria has left 30 people dead and over a million displaced". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 11 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ "Nigeria Maiduguri floods: Prisoners flee after water damages jail walls". BBC News. 16 September 2024. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
Further reading
- Borno State Water Supply Project (Loan No.2528-UNI) (PDF) (Implementation Completion Report). World Bank. 22 April 1996.