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Tag: Flood

  • Flood disaster: Edo election will go on as planned – INEC

    Flood disaster: Edo election will go on as planned – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that the Edo State Governorship election will go on as planned in spite of the damage caused by last Friday flood.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the disclosure on Thursday while affirming that the damaged facilities in the Edo office would be replaced before the September 21 governorship election.

    Yakubu said this during an on the spot assessment of the level of damage done to its facilities by the flood disaster occasioned by torrential rain in Benin city on May 24.

    The flood disaster destroyed some voter enrollment machines already configured for the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

    Speaking after the inspection of the facilities, Yakubu said he was in Benin to assess the level of damage with a view to immediately profer solutions to whatever problems that has arose from the dusaster.

    He said the flood disaster would not hinder the smooth conduct of the governorship election in the state, adding that the commission would do an assessment of what was damaged and respond appropriately.

    He expressed joy that no life was lost to the flood.

    “This is not a regular visit. We are here to see what happened to our facilities after the flooding that occurred on Friday, May 24.

    “I came here with the Director of ICT because some machines were destroyed and I also came with the federal controller of works because he would be helping us to address the flooding problems in and around the INEC office in Benin.

    “Providing working equipment and ensuring a conducive work environment is as crucial as paying salaries. So we will ensure that we fix the damaged facilities before the election,” he said.

    The INEC chairman also disclosed that the CVR exercise would continue in spite of the damage caused by the flood disaster.

    He, however, described the turnout of registrants as impressive, stressing that the damaged facilities poses no threat to the ongoing CVR and election.

    “We took proactive measure to ensure that the CVR was not affected by calling for additional resources from neighboring states since INEC was one national body.

    According to him, the present Commission has enough experience in conducting governorship election and this is the third governorship election we will be conducting in Edo since 2016.

    Earlier, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Anugbum Onuoha thanked the Chairman for being proactive in responding to the disaster.

  • Flood damages INEC office in Edo

    Flood damages INEC office in Edo

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its office in Benin City, Edo has been ravaged by flood.

    “The flood damaged a section of the building. It destroyed voters registration machines and other items,” Mr Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said that INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo, Dr Anugbum Onuoha, reported that the state was completely flooded following a torrential rainfall on Friday.

    According to Olumekun, preliminary assessment shows that the heavy downpour damaged a section of the building, while movable and immovable items were submerged.

    “Property submerged included vehicles parked at the premises as well as office furniture and equipment,” he said.

    He added that some of the voter enrollment machines already configured for the forthcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR)  in the state were affected.

    “The commission is delivering additional machines from the neighbouring states to make up for the shortfall.

    “We are determined to ensure that the CVR will commence as scheduled on Monday, May 27, in all the 192 Wards across Edo.

    “However, in view of the emergency situation, the state headquarters will not serve as a registration centre as planned.

    “Instead, the exercise will now take place in our Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area office located at 16, Customs Road, off Benin/Auchi Road, Benin City,” he said.

    Olumekun said the attention of security agencies and emergency services had been drawn to the incident.

  • FEMD releases emergency number, raises alarm about flash flood in FCT

    FEMD releases emergency number, raises alarm about flash flood in FCT

    The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, has advised people residing along waterways in the FCT to relocate to safer areas.

    The acting Director-General of the department, Mr Mohammed Sabo, gave the warning in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Sabo explained that the warning became necessary following the early warning issued by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

    He said that NiMet, in its rainfall forecast bulletin had warned that a moderate to heavy rainfall was expected on Thursday and Friday in parts of FCT, Niger, and Kogi.

    Other states that might also experience moderate to heavy rainfall, according to NiMet, include Nasarawa, Adamawa, Kebbi, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo, Kwara, Bayelsa and Cross River.

    He said that the agency’s forecast emphasised the prospect of flash floods because of the moderate to heavy rainfall in the mentioned states.

    The acting director-general said that NiMet also warned that strong winds may accompany the rains.

    This, according to him, may likely cause hazards like slippery road surfaces, reduced visibility, threats to weak structures, trees, and mast.

    He appealed to FCT residents to heed to the NiMet warning by clearing all blocked drainages and removing all infractions obstructing free flow of water.

    “The residents should exercise caution on the roads as the onset of the wet season in the FCT sets in.

    “Motorists should also desist from driving through flooding water when it rains, stressing that the flooding water may have a strong under-current,” he said.

    Sabo also urged the residents to always dial the 112 emergency toll–free number in the event of any emergency.

  • We’re prepared against floods in FCT – FEMD

    We’re prepared against floods in FCT – FEMD

    The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) says it is well prepared to prevent residents from dying to flooding in the territory.

    The Director of the department, Mr Mohammed Sabo gave the assurance in Abuja on Monday.

    Sabo explained that the department had all the data required to put prevention and mitigation measures against flooding in the FCT.

    “Sometimes in February, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), released the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction report.

    “The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has equally released the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook.

    “These are the documents we used in preparing for the rainy season.

    “As such, we have all the critical data needed to adequately prepare our prevention and mitigation measures against flooding,” Sabo said.

    He said that based on the reports, FCT might not be in danger, but all the surrounding states of the territory were susceptible to flooding.

    He said that in response to the prediction, FEMD had adequately put measures in place to ensure effective response to the likelihood of flash floods in the territory.

    “I assure you that we are well prepared to respond to any flood that may occur in the FCT,” he insisted.

    The director added that the department would equally mount signposts to enlighten and caution residents on the dangers of flood and install additional barricades in flash flood areas.

    “We are ready to collaborate with our stakeholders to ensure that all the roads that experience flash floods during the rainy season are barricaded to prevent vehicles from plying them.

    “This is to prevent loss of lives to flooding during rainy seasons,” he said.

  • NEMA calls for urgent measures to prevent flooding in 2024

    NEMA calls for urgent measures to prevent flooding in 2024

    Thee Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has called for urgent measures to prevent flooding in the country.

    She said action must be taken now in view of the just released 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction and the Annual Flood Outlook.

    The D-G stated this in Abuja on Wednesday at a 2-day Technical Expert meeting on 2024 Climate Related Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies.

    Umar added that it was important to use reliable data to develop effective response strategies to flooding and other disasters.

    She called for more collaboration among stakeholders in sensitising Nigerians to take proactive measures against flooding.

    On the meeting, she said it was to come up with actionable mitigation strategies to climate related disasters in the country.

    “Stakeholders with vast experiences in various fields such as Agriculture, Health, Water Resources and Infrastructure would brainstorm and come up with actionable climate related disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies,” the D-G added.

    She said that the strategies should assist in preparing and responding to the expected impact of the climate hazards.

    Umar highlighted the significance of early warning information to enable communities and institutions anticipate and prepare for disasters before they occur.

    She said that the meeting was also part of NEMA’s 2024 flood management action plan, in view of the seasonal alert by the Nigeria Metrological Service Agency (NiMet) and Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

    “We brought all stakeholders together based on the report we received from NiMet and NIHSA, and we are here to map out plans and strategies.

    “Rather than responding, we want to be fully prepared for whatever is coming our way in terms of flood, we are looking at ways to sensitise Nigerians not to build on waterways.

    “We have already gone out, we have started sensitising the general public not to build on waterways and today, we are goin to map out more strategies to see how we can mitigate the effect of these flooding or drought in the country,” she said.

    The D-G urges the participants to also articulate early warning messages that would help relevant authorities including Emergency Management Agencies in states and local governments, as well as other stakeholders.

    According to her, this will enable them to take the necessary actions required to reduce the risks in their respective jurisdictions.

    She assured that NEMA would continue to map vulnerable communities based on the prediction and enhance and strengthen enlightenment campaigns in critical states.

    The NEMA D-G further said that the agency would continue to encourage and promote effective cooperation, collaboration, and partnership for efficient disaster management in Nigeria.

    Also, the Director-General, NIHSA, Mr Clement Eze, said the agency would continue to provide necessary hydrological data to aid NEMA in its flood management activities.

    On his part, the Secretary General, Nigerian Red Cross, Dr Abubakar Kende, said that flood forecasting and early warnings were among the most effective risk management strategies to minimise the negative impacts of flood

    Kende, represented by Mr Benson Agbro, the Red Cross Director, Disaster Management, commended NEMA for the meeting.

    The technical experts are expected to analyse the seasonal predictions and flood outlook and draw up measures to address pressing issues of climate-related disasters

    They are also expected to develop actionable blueprint, focusing on enhancing early warning systems and mapping vulnerable communities.

  • 148 LGAs in 31 States at risk of severe flood this year – FG warns [SEE STATES]

    148 LGAs in 31 States at risk of severe flood this year – FG warns [SEE STATES]

    Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has cautioned that 148 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 31 states are among the highly probable flood risk areas for 2024.

    Utsev issued this warning during the official unveiling of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) on Monday in Abuja.

    The theme of this year’s AFO is “Promoting the Use of Data Analytics and Modeling for Flood Risk Assessments and Food Security.”

    The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) leads AFO yearly predictions.

    The identified states are: Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Kogi.

    Others are: Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.

    Utsev emphasised the importance of proactive measures to mitigate potential flood impacts in these areas.

    He said there was need for preparedness, early warning systems, and community engagement to minimise damage to lives and property.

    The minister said that the high flood risk areas spanned from April to November 2024; with potential impacts on population, agriculture, livelihoods, livestock, infrastructure, and the environment.

    He highlighted the theme’s alignment with the Presidential Agenda on Food Security as it was central to the current administration’s goal of lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty and advancing towards national prosperity.

    Utsev said Nigeria had faced recurrent and severe flood disasters over the years, with 2012 marked as one of the most devastating recorded events.

    “The 2022 floods were particularly catastrophic, being termed the worst in the country’s history in terms of impact magnitude.

    “The World Bank estimated the total economic damage from the 2022 floods, including damage to residential and nonresidential buildings, infrastructure, productive sectors, and farmlands, at approximately 6.68 billion dollars.

    “In response to the ongoing challenges posed by flooding, President Bola Tinubu initiated the National Economic Council Ad-hoc Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness, and Response,’’ he said.

    The minister said the committee’s mandate was to proactively develop a comprehensive roadmap aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s flood mitigation, preparedness, adaptation, and communication infrastructure.

    Earlier, Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), said that the partnership between NIHSA and his organisation, was pivotal in enhancing the nation’s disaster preparedness.

    He said that the collaboration had notably improved efforts in mitigating the impact of flooding through early warning systems.

    According to him, it is a critical initiative aimed at addressing the escalating frequency and severity of flooding incidents across the country.

    He underscored the imperative of leveraging data, analytics, and modelling in flood risk assessment and management, citing NIMET’s commitment to providing comprehensive meteorological insights for informed decision-making.

    Referencing a UNICEF report on the extensive damage inflicted by flooding on agricultural lands in the previous year, he stressed the urgency of integrating forecast information into national policies and interventions.

    He reaffirmed NIMET’s dedication to collaborating with NIHSA and other stakeholders to deliver timely and accurate weather forecasts tailored to meet the diverse needs of communities nationwide.

    Zubaida Umar, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), underscored the significance of the AFO released by NIHSA.

    Umar noted the increasing prevalence of flooding in Nigeria and its devastating consequences, including loss of lives, property damage, displacement, and disruption of livelihoods.

    She stressed the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding across the country.

    Umar commended the AFO as a crucial tool for informed decision-making and action to enhance the nation’s preparedness for floods, noting the longstanding partnership between NEMA and NIHSA in flood risk management.

    She said that NEMA relied on the AFO to develop its annual Climate Related Hazard preparedness and response strategy, which served as an early warning message for Nigeria.

    On his part, Clement Nze, NIHSA Director-General, harped on the need to promote a better understanding of flood risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures to address the challenges of flooding in Nigeria.

    He stressed the essential role of encouraging collaboration among disaster risk managers, earth observers, mission makers, and other stakeholders to enhance preparedness and flood control measures.

    Nze said the collaborative efforts were critical to effectively managing flood risks and minimising the impact of flooding on communities and infrastructure across the country.

  • Early morning flood affects 151 houses in Lagos, overruns community bridge

    Early morning flood affects 151 houses in Lagos, overruns community bridge

    The early morning flood on Tuesday in Command and Ipaja communities in Lagos impacted about 151 houses.

    Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, Lagos Territorial Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said this in a statement.

    Farinloye said preliminary assessment in some communities affected by the rainfall showed that residents were evacuated from 23 houses at Oke Ishagun.

    He said 35 houses were affected at Isale Aboru, 29 houses at Ikola Community and 15 houses at Olubodun Majiyagbe-Ajayi.

    Also affected were 12 houses at Makinde Street, 16 houses at Olokowo Street, 21 houses at Adeola Street, among others.

    Farinloye said NEMA was working with appropriate state MDAs to ameliorate the effect of the flood on residents.

    He added that Lagos State had promised to make the state safer for residents.

    Farinloye said Tuesday’s excessive rainfall and downpour earlier on Sunday were strong signals of what to expect with the outset of 2024 rainfall.

    He said it was important to imbibe disaster risk reduction strategies.

    “We must begin to adhere to safety measures against flood disasters. Thanks be to God that no live was lost and no one injured,” Farinloye said.

    Meanwhile, Farinloye said the Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Habib Ahmed, appealed to Nigerians to start clearing their drainages and desilt them.

    Ahmed urged Community Development Associations (CDAs) to be alive to their responsibility by coordinating the activities of neighbourhoods toward safer environments.

    He appealed to Local Government authorities to sanction corporate organisations blocking drainages around their offices.

    He added that residents dumping refuse in drainages should be prosecuted for blockage of drainages, dumping of refuse in drainages as envisaged in environmental laws to save the society.

    The director-general expressed his support to the Lagos State government for its bold decision after the 2023 rainy season when it pulled down structures obstructing drainages across the state.

    He urged other state governments to emulate Lagos State by taking bold steps toward making the environment safer.

    Flood overruns bridge in Lagos community

    The early morning downpour which caused heavy flood on Tuesday in Lagos, overran the Command Bridge in Ipaja, Alimosho Local Government Area.

    Consequently, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) advised residents of Command area to take alternative routes.

    Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, the Territorial Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the flood occurred as a result of 60 canals emptying water into the Command channel where the bridge was located.

    Farinloyes said the channel was originally built to accommodate 16 canals emptying water into it.

    He added that NEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Police were on ground working to get trapped people out of the area.

  • Delta approves N15.7bn for flood control measures Phase 3 in Effurun/Warri

    Delta approves N15.7bn for flood control measures Phase 3 in Effurun/Warri

    Delta State Executive Council, Thursday, approved N15.7bn for the construction of Phase 3 of flood control measures in Warri/Effurun and environs in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas of the state.

    Briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza said the phase 3 of the control measures will cover Airport Road, Ugborikoko, Bendel Estate and Ugboroke and environs in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas.

    Osuoza who was flanked by Commissioner for Works Highways and Urban Roads, Comrade Reuben Izeze, Director-General Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA) Prince Godwin Ejinyere and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon,  said Exco also gave approval for N600 million counterpart fund for the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG Conditional Grants  Scheme for Delta State.

    Osuoza said: “We had a very engaging session at today’s Exco and above all Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Exco took note of the hardship that Nigerians and Deltans are going through and he has resolved to make sure that he does everything humanly possible to puts smiles on the faces of Deltans.

    “One of the major projects approved today is the flood control measures in Warri/Effurun and Environs Phase 3.

    “Phase 1 and Phase 2 were awarded long ago while Phase 3 entails Airport Road, Ugborikoko, Bendel Estate and Ugboroke in Uvwie and Warri South at a cost of N15.7bn

    “The second approval we got is the approval for the release of N600 million counterpart fund for the implementation of the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Conditional Grants and Schemes for Delta State.

    On his part, Director-General of WUEDA, Prince Godwin Ejinyere said the Phase 1 has been completed while phase 2 is at 85 percent completion.

    He said the Agency was planning a total solution for flood control measures in the Warri Stadium area, adding that design work around Enerhen Community, Igbudu, Odibo Estate among others were ongoing.

  • 650,000 Nigerian children displaced by flood in seven years – UNICEF

    650,000 Nigerian children displaced by flood in seven years – UNICEF

    About 650,000 Nigerian children have been displaced by floods, thus making the country the second most affected globally by climate change impacts on children,  according to a report from the United Nations Children’s Education Fund, (UNICEF).

    UNICEF noted that the displacement occurred from 2016 to 2023,  in a statement released on Monday, which coincided with the 2023 World Children’s Day.

    The UN agency emphasized that over 110 million Nigerian children are at risk due to rising temperatures, floods, droughts, and severe storms.

    The Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru stressed the urgency of a swift and inclusive response, particularly considering the needs of vulnerable populations like children and women, in decision-making and implementation.

    Similarly, Christian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, underscored the need to provide a platform for children to express their concerns about climate change, towards shaping a collective path toward a sustainable future.

     

  • 2,000 flood victims in Ebonyi receive relief materials

    2,000 flood victims in Ebonyi receive relief materials

    No fewer than 2,000 victims of the 2023 flood in Ikwo Local government Area of Ebonyi on Saturday received assorted relief materials worth N80 million to 2023 flood victims.

    The materials were distributed by Mr Chinedu Ogah, member,  representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at Ohatekwe Amagu in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.

    The relief materials distributed, included; bags of rice, beans, garri, mattresses, blankets, cash and other non food items to the people.

    He lauded President Bola Tinubu for granting the request to assist victims of disaster in various constituents of the state.

    He also commended the Vice president, Kashim Shettima, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and the state Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru for their support so far.

    “I also thank the Director General of NEMA, Mr Mustapha Ahmed, for giving us a sense of belonging,” Ogah said.

    Mrs Ngozi Echeazu, the Zonal Coordinator, South-East, NEMA, said the donation was made to June 2023 flood victims, to alleviate the suffering of the victims.

    Echeazu, who was represented by an official of the agency, Mr Nnayelugo Ezeani, said the donation was not a compensation and replacement for their huge losses but encouragement, support from the federal government to assist them.

    She said that there was need for early campaign, continuous sensitisation, meetings and collaboration among community leaders to prevent and address the menace of flood.

    “In June 2023, NEMA and the state agency came for assessment as to ascertain the level of damage which affected buildings, household items, farmlands, economic trees among others.

    “People should ensure they do not build on water ways and flood prone areas,” Echeazu said.

    The Chairman of the Council area, Mr Sunday Nwankwo, lauded the Federal Government and the lawmaker for attracting the gesture to the area.

    Nwankwo disclosed that the state government was making plans to reduce the trend in the state.

    “There is need for continuous enlightenment to people on best ways of reducing impact of flood,” Nwankwo said.