Residents along the banks of River Yedzaram in Maiduguri, Borno State are apprehensive as the river has overflown its bank. Also disturbing to the residents is the report that Alau Dam now filled to capacity will be opened to discharge the excess water into the river any moment.
Already some buildings and farmlands along the river had been submerged in Gwange Ward of Maiduguri, while a stream known as Ngaddabul that also passes through the town has also submerged some buildings and farmlands in Maduganari ward.
“We are in distress and afraid that more rainfall or release of excess water from the dam can spell more doom for us. Already, some places like the customs area, College of Agriculture and 505 estates are experiencing serious flooding from the rivers,” Mustapha Ali, a resident of Gwange said.
Abubakar Ibrahim of Bulabulin ward, said some residents of the ward had started moving out of the area.
“The flooding from the river is expanding in the Bulabulin area and people have started moving out,” Ibrahim said.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, on Thursday led a team to Alau Dam to assess the situation of the dam for necessary action. He assured residents of Maiduguri that the State Government was working with the Chad Basin Development Authority, handlers of the dam on safety measures.
The recent heavy downpour recorded across the state has led to cases of serious flooding in Biu, Chibok, Konduga, Bama, Dikwa and Jere local government areas of the State.
The Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has said that 2,517 houses and shops were either completely or partially destroyed by flood which ravaged 33 communities in the State. Mr Ibrahim Nalado, the Deputy Director, Relief and Rehabilitation of the agency, disclosed this in an interview on Saturday in Gombe.
Nalado said that the communities affected were in Dukku, Funakaye and Billiri Local Government Areas (LGAs), of the state. According to him, these areas were flooded due to the heavy downpour that occured between Aug. 12 and Aug. 22.
He said, “In Dukku LGA, 10 communities were affected. In Funakaye LGA, 20 communities were affected and in Billiri LGA, three communities were affected.”
Nalado said that the flooding and windstorm affected mostly houses and few farmlands in the communities. He said that there was no loss of life but two children were injured in Dukku, including seven animals which were washed away.
On the impact of flooding on farmlands, the deputy director said Hina community in Yamaltu/Deba LGA of the state was the worst-hit. He said that not less than 1000 hectares of rice, maize, sorghum and millet farmlands were submerged in water.
The deputy director stated that his team visited Hina community on Friday, Aug. 30, to assess the level of damage. Nalado described the impact of the flooding as ‘huge and devastating’ in view of the vast area affected.
“Farmers were getting ready to harvest their crops. The farmers were so worried but because it was a natural phenomenon, they accepted it in good fate,” he said.
The deputy director stated that data on the number of farmers affected by the flood were being collated at Hina. Nalado stated that his agency had assessed the level of damage and were compiling the reports to forward to the state government and other relevant agencies.
He, however, said that the level of damage on farmlands at Hina would take collective efforts of both the state and the Federal Government to address. He appealed to the North East Development Commission and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to support the state government in this regard.
The deputy director also appealed to the farmers and other persons affected to be patient.
He assured them that government and other government agencies would come to their aid.
Flood destroyed 1,650 houses in 2 towns in Yobe, says SEMA
Flood triggered by days of torrential rain, destroyed 1,650 houses in Jajere and Yunusari towns of Yobe. Dr Mohammed Goje, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), made this known in an in Damaturu on Saturday.
He said that a total of 413 households in the areas were displaced by the latest flash flood. Goje said that a final assessment on the destruction caused by yet another flood in Yusufari, Wagir, Mutai Chirokusko, Bade and Potiskum towns was ongoing.
“SEMA is conducting daily review meetings to asses the situation, update stakeholders and come up with immediate response plan in line with vulnerabilities of affected locations and resources available on ground,” he said.
The executive secretary said arrangements had reached advanced stage to deliver relief materials to the affected communities in the next 24 to 48 hours as directed by Gov Mai Mala Buni. Goje said cash disbursement to the victims would soon begin as “community keepers” were already validating the list of beneficiaries to ensure transparency and accountability in the exercise.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has said that at least seven persons were declared missing in Magma and Mashegu Local Government Areas (LGAs), following Friday’s heavy flooding.
The Director-General of the agency, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, disclosed this in a statement issued in Minna and made available to newsmen. Baba-Arah said that over 89 houses and hundreds of farmlands were destroyed by the disaster.
He also said that three vehicles were washed away by the flood, which followed an early morning downpour that lasted for several hours.
He said: “NSEMA has received reports of flooding in Mashegu and Magama council areas. The flood was caused by torrential rainfall that lasted through the early hours of Friday, beginning from 2am to noon.
“As at the time of filing this report, seven people were declared missing, over 89 houses were affected, hundreds of hectares of farmlands and three vehicles washed away.”
Baba-Arah said that the affected areas were Sabon Pegi and its surrounding communities in Mashegu and Nassarawa in Magama. He said that search and rescue operation was ongoing by members of staff of the agency and volunteers to rescue the missing persons.
Residents of Chikaji in Sabon-Gari Local Government, Kaduna State, has appealed for assistance from government and philanthropists over flood that washed away cemetery, houses and properties in the area. The flood which ravaged the area on Monday was as a result of torrential rainfall that lasted seven hours from 5.00a.m. to 1.00p.m.
Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday in Zaria, the Village Head of Chikaji, Alhaji Auwal Sani-Dambaba said the flood affected over 200 houses in the area. He added that the flood washed away parts of the LEA Primary School and desecrated substantial part of the Ojo Cemetery.
“Currently, the victims took shelter in the neighborhood but no loss of life during the incident. However, many graves were left opened,” the village head confirmed.
While lamenting over the tragic incident, the village head said a day and hours after the flood, there was neither support nor assistance from government at national or sub-national levels.
In a move to address the immediate challenges of the cemetery, the Chief Imam of Chikaji Central Mosque, Malam Suleiman Liman, said the community had summoned an emergency meeting of wealthy individuals in the area.
The chief Imam added that the emergency meeting would also look into the plights of the flood victims.
Malam Ibrahim Ahmed, one of the victims who was standing on the rubles of the remains of his 2-bedroom flat said they were grateful to God Almighty that the flooding occurred during the day time.
According to him, they were evacuating water in the house when a section of the house collapsed, adding, “I didn’t remove anything from the house, because I was busy protecting my kids from the rubles of the building.”
The victim appealed for support and quick interventions from government at all levels, wealthy individuals and other key stakeholders to cushion the effect of the flood.
Alhaji Gafai Katsina, a community leader in the area said most of the victims of the flood were now squatting with some residents who were less affected, adding that some married women had returned to their parents pending the stability of the situation.
He listed the worst hit areas along the water canal to include Yan-awaki (around Randa Kano) to Chikaji down to Shika Dam.
Recall that a press statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives on Tuesday bemoaned the flood in Sabon Gari and sought intervention for the victims.
Tajuddeen sympathised with the victims of the flood, lamenting that such an unfortunate incident happened at a time when people were making efforts to make ends meet.
He called for an urgent intervention to provide succour to the victims and urged them to stay calm as government was taking necessary measures to address their plights.
Specifically, the Speaker called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to urgently come to the aid of the victims at this critical time.
The Speaker equally urged residents of the affected areas and adjoining places to take precautionary measures and heed to advisory from relevant authorities on flood.
The federal government has raised an alarm and warned the general public over the rising water levels of the River Niger system. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) raised the alarm on Friday.
Mr Umar Mohammed, the Director General of NIHSA in a statement noted that floodwaters from countries in the River Niger system are gradually moving towards Nigeria, starting with Kebbi State.
According to the agency, the development is attributed to upstream activities in Niger Republic and Mali, and with reports from the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) in Niamey, Niger Republic.
NIHSA assures that dam operators at Kainji and Jebba, situated on the River Niger, have been informed and are on standby.
“As of August 22, the agency confirmed that these dams are not currently spilling water from their reservoirs,” the statement reads.
The D-G said the risk of flooding is expected to peak by the end of August and into September, urging States and communities along the River Niger system to remain vigilant.
He said the agency will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates to the public.
President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the Jigawa Government and the people of the state over the recent flooding that led to the loss of lives and displacement of many citizens.
In a statement on Wednesday by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the president also commiserated with the bereaved families and victims of the flooding, which impacted 14 local government areas and many households.
“President Tinubu states that recurring environmental disasters underscore the urgency of sustaining measures to address climate change and its perils as well as remove man-made elements to the challenge.
“The President prays for the repose of the souls of the deceased and assures the people of Jigawa of his administration’s support at this difficult time,” Ngelale said.
The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) has warned people living in flood prone areas to vacate to safer areas to avoid imminent flooding.
This was contained in a statement by its Executive Secretary, Usman Mazadu, noting that seven local government areas are at risk of flooding especially communities along waterways in anticipation of heavy downpour.
The agency explained that it has become necessary to notify the flood prone communities about the torrential rainfall experienced between Sunday, August 18 and Monday, August 19, and still going on without abating.
He, however, noted that the heavy rainfall might result in the overflow of rivers, particularly in the local government areas with rivers or tributaries crossing through.
It is important that communities within these tributaries are most likely to experience flooding, they should be intimated to be vigilant while preparing for alternatives to evacuate themselves to higher and safer grounds .
“The local governments area communities include; Government Secondary school Abubakar Kigo Road, LEA primary school Unguwan Rimi in Kaduna North Local Government Area and Namadi Sambo Skill Acquisition Centre Tudun Wada and LEA primary school Nassarawa in Kaduna South local government area.
Others are Government Secondary School Narayi in Chikun Local Government Area, jumaat mosque Hayin Malam Bello in Igabi Local Government Area.
Other areas listed by KADSEMA are LEA Agwom Primary School, LEA Tsauni Primary School and LEA Sanga Village Primary School in Sanga Local Government Area, LEA Jere North Primary School, LEA Jere South Primary School in Kagarko Local Government Area and GSS Kafanchan in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Thursday issued a stern warning to residents living in flood-prone communities across 27 Nigerian States to start relocating immediately.
According to NEMA Emergency Operations Centre established for flood monitoring and coordination of resource deployment, 27 States have been affected by flood.
Mr Manzo Ezekiel, NEMA’s spokesperson, made this known in a statement in Abuja, while also reporting that the floods caused significant damage to 32,837 homes and 16,488 hectares of farmland.
NEMA added that mobilised search and rescue teams are distributing essential relief supplies in partnership with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs).
“27 States in Nigeria have been impacted by recent floods, affecting 227,494 individuals and damaging 32,837 houses and 16,488 hectares of farmland. NEMA is conducting assessments and deploying relief items to support affected communities,” it says.
NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, emphasised urgency for communities in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground as the rainy season progressed.
Umar also called for increased public awareness on proper waste management to help prevent future flooding.
“The agency emphasises the importance of public awareness on waste management to prevent flooding and advises at-risk communities to relocate to safer areas.”
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, reassured farmers about the temporary dry season, pointing out that it would soon pass.
Community leaders and stakeholders were urged to implement rapid response measures to mitigate the ongoing flood threats.
TNG reports the map below shows States that have been impacted and those yet to be impacted by flood.
STATES AFFECTED BY FLOOD FROM APRIL, 2024 TILL DATE
NEMA warns: 362 vulnerable communities at high risk of flood
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned that 362 vulnerable Communities in 14 local government in Kano State are at high risk of flood.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, made this known at a one-day stakeholders meeting in Kano on Thursday.
The meeting was on Solid Waste Management and Flood Preparedness: Downscaling 2024 Flood Early Warning Strategies for Grassroots Action.
The theme of the workshop is: “Enhancing Community Resilience through Effective Solid Waste Management and Proactive Flood Preparedness”
Umar, who was represented by Dr Nuraddeen Abdullahi, NEMA Territorial Coordinator Kano Office said the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) AFO has predicted a population of 3,749,200 were at a risk of flood in the state.
She listed the local govt to include: Rimin Gado, Tofa, Kabo, Madobi, Garun Malam, Bebeji, Rano, Dawakin Kudu, Warawa, Wudil, Sumaila, Ajingi, Kura and Dala.
Umar said the meeting was also to implement effective early actions that would safeguard lives and livelihoods throughout the rainy season.
“Floods of 2012 and 2022 have highlighted the critical need for coordinated efforts across all levels of government in managing disaster risks.
“Kano State has historically experienced severe impacts from floods, and the current predictions highlight that certain areas will continue to face challenges, especially with improper solid waste disposal in our communities,” she said
The DG emphasised the need to collaborate to sensitise the public on waste management as well as downscaling flood early warning and risk mitigation at the grassroots levels.
“Improper solid waste disposal affects the environment, human health as well as the economy, due to uncontrolled dumping of large amount of wastes, which prevent rainwater from flowing freely leading to overflow and flooding.
Umar noted that NEMA has engaged in extensive planning and analysis, Stakeholders’ Technical Meeting and an Emergency Coordination Forum.
“Disaster management is everyone’s business. By coming together, we can protect our communities, preserve critical infrastructure, and maintain socio-economic stability in Kano state.
“This aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on socio-economic growth and development under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu,” Umar said
The Kano state Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, reiterated Gov.Abba Kabir-Yusuf’s commitment to protect the people against disasters and emergencies.
Abdullahi, represented by the Ministry’s Director Disaster Management and Rapid Response, Mr Mustafa Yunusa, commended the organisers of the workshop .
The Managing Director of the Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board, Alhaji Amadu Haruna-Zago urged residents to desist from dumping refuse on the road and water ways.
Also, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Isyaku Abudullahi-Kubarachi commended NEMA and other stakeholders for their efforts in sensitising the public on disaster issues.
The workshop was organised by NEMA in collaboration with SEMA, Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed 16 persons killed and 3,936 houses destroyed to flood disaster.
It said the flood also submerged 2,744 hectres of farmlands following torrential rainfalls since the commencement of the 2024 rainy season.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Haruna Mariga, who stated this in Dutse on Wednesday, said the disaster affected 10 local government areas of the state.
Mairiga said the deaths were as result of building collapse, drowning and canoe mishaps.
“The disaster resulted in 16 deaths with 3,936 persons displaced while 2,744 hectares of farmlands submerged,” he said, adding that the situation might escalate due to anticipated high volume of rainfall.
Mairiga said the agency had provided temporary shelter and distributed relief materials to the displaced persons to mitigate their sufferings.
He listed the items to include rice, maize, maize grits, blankets, pasta, and mats.
SEMA confirms 4 killed in Bauchi flood
Similarly, the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed four persons dead in recent flood disaster in the state.
The flood also destroyed houses, submerged farmlands and washed away some sections of the Kano-Maiduguri expressway.
Mr Masud Aliyu, the Director-General of the agency, said this in an interview on Wednesday in Bauchi.
He said the flood affected Shira, Giade and Katagum Local Government Areas of the state, following torrential rains in the past days.
“The flood left thousands homeless, submerged farmlands and cut-off roads, The affected roads Include Giade-Isawa, and Kano-Maiduguri expressway,” he said.
Aliyu said the state government had mobilised contractors to repair the failed sections of the roads, to provide an alternative route for road users.
He, therefore, urged the people to heed to the warnings by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) about impeding flood disaster.
The collapsed section of the Kano-Maiduguri expressway had disrupted movement of goods and services in the area.
The road links Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe in North-East.
The management of North South Power Company Limited (NSPCL) in Niger, has sensitised communities around the Shiroro Hydro-Electric Power Plant to desist from water-based activities.
Mr Olubunmi Peters, the Vice Chairman NSPCL gave the warning during the annual stakeholders’ flood sensitisation and awareness forum in Minna on Thursday.
Peters, represented by Abdullahi Hassan, a consultant on Corporate Social Responsibility to NSPCL, said that the communities at risk of flood were those living upstream and downstream of the dam.
He said that the forum was to sensitise and educate communities and people involved in water-based activities upstream and downstream of the plant on environmental hazard caused by flooding.
“This is to also sensitise people to the possible ways to reduce the devastating damages to lives and property.
“As part of efforts to curtail the reoccurrence of flood, stakeholders need to institute appropriate measures by developing new strategies and effective remedies to flooding,” he said.
He emphasised the need for government to start intensive desilting of drains and flood channels across the state as well as intensify climate information services, especially to farmers.
Peters gave assurances that NSPCL would continue to contribute to the welfare and development of host communities, urging them to always embrace dialogue in settling disputes.
Earlier, Mr Ugochukwu Chioke, Chief Operating Officer, NSPCL, said that the forum was to create awareness for communities upstream and downstream of the plant on flood related issues.
He said the forum seek to promote a culture of flood resilience and preparedness amongst the target audience by equipping them with knowledge and right skills to respond effectively to flood.
In his remarks, Alhaji Aminu Kuchi, Chairman of Munya Local Government Area, disclosed that four wards of Kuchi, Guni, Sarkin-pawa and Dangunu usually experience floods annually.
He said the sensitisation exercise would enable flood prone communities to stay alert and avoid engaging in water-based activities that would endanger their lives at the peak of the rains.
Also, the District Head of Guni in Munya council, Usman Umar, said the sensitisation was apt as some communities had started experiencing flood with rice, maize and yams farms flooded.
