Severe flooding in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, caused the collapse of walls at a jail, enabling 281 prisoners to escape, according to prison authorities.

As of Sunday, seven of the escapees have been recaptured.

The floods, described as the worst in decades for Borno state, were triggered by an overflowing dam following heavy rains, leading to widespread destruction, including damage to the city’s Medium Security Custodial Centre and staff quarters.

At least 30 people have died due to the flooding, which has affected around one million individuals, forcing many into displacement camps, Reuters has reported.

Efforts to recapture the remaining escaped inmates are currently ongoing.

Written by B.C. Begley