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Tag: Flood

  • FG seeks solution to collapsed Mokwa bridge after devastating flood

    FG seeks solution to collapsed Mokwa bridge after devastating flood

    The Federal Government says it has initiated an action to ensure the collapsed bridge at Mokwa in Niger was immediately rebuilt.

    Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen while responding to questions in Minna on Saturday.

    The minister led a Federal Government delegation on a condolence visit to Niger to commiserate with the state government and victims of the recent flood disaster.

    Also in the delegation was the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Nentawe Yilwatda.

    The Mokwa bridge collapsed on Wednesday after heavy downfall. The flood that ensued also claimed the lives of 151 people in Mokwa.

    The bridge has left many motorists and other road users stranded as it’s the bridge that links the North and Southwest parts of the country.

    The minister said the Federal Government had been briefed on the flood situation and the collapsed bridge.

    “We have embarked on an assessment visit, and remedial action is already being activated and preparatory for a permanent solution.

    “Remedial action is being taken to prevent a complete breakdown of movement of people and goods on the route,” he said.

    He added that the Federal Government was working towards providing a permanent solution to the problem.

    Dr Ibrahim Hussaini, Overseeing Director General of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said new report confirmed 151 bodies had been recovered.

    He said 11 people were injured, 3,018 individuals displaced while 503 households were affected in three communities within Mokwa Local Government.

  • Flood scare hits Nasarawa; residents ordered to relocate

    Flood scare hits Nasarawa; residents ordered to relocate

    Following the flood disaster that ravaged Mokwa community in Niger State, the Nasarawa State Government has ordered the relocation of residents of flood-prone communities.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Nasarawa State Government ordered residents of flood-prone communities to relocate to higher grounds to avoid any loss of lives during the rainy season.

    At least 115 lives have been reported dead in the Niger State flood disaster with many others injured or still missing.

    While addressing newsmen on Saturday in Lafia, Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources in Nasarawa, said the order for relocation of residents is based on flood predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

    Speaking after monitoring the May edition of the monthly clean up exercise, Elayo said the step became imperative also based on experiences where lives and property were lost to flooding in the past.

    She further said that since some States had started experiencing flooding, there was an urgent need for vulnerable persons to act now.

    “We are partnering with chairmen of Local Government Areas (LGAs) and traditional rulers to to show those affected by this relocation directive where they should go now for their safety.

    “They should pick up their valuables and leave their houses for now so that when flooding eventually happens, no lives will be lost,” she said.

    The commissioner further urged members of the public to desist from dumping refuge in drains as well as and desist from building structures on waterways to avert flooding.

    She promised to strengthen the  campaigns toward enlightening the public on the importance of clearing waterways to prevent flooding.

    “We have engaged the traditional and religious leaders, communities leaders, and we are sponsoring `Sensitisation Programmes’ in the mass media to enlighten the public on the dangers of flooding and steps to avert it,” she added.

    She further promised to ensure that the recycling plant in the Akurba community of Lafia was operational to ensure that refuse were not dumped on the streets.

    She described as unacceptable situations where large refuses were dumped on the streets, and advised those behind it to desist or risk being sanctioned.

    The commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the level of compliance to the sanitation exercise by the residents and appealed for more cooperation.

    “If the environment is kept clean, it will guard against possible outbreak of some disease, thereby ensuring improved healthy living of the people,” she said.

    The commissioner, therefore, promised that the ministry would make the state one of the cleanest in the country.

    Meanwhile, Abubakar Mohammed, the Chief Prosecutor Officer in the ministry, said that 168 persons were arrested across the state for violating sanitation laws.

    He said that the offenders were arrested for transacting their businesses while the  exercise was in progress.

    He said their actions violated the provisions of section 9 (2) of the State Environmental Sanitation Law.

  • Mokwa flood disaster: Motorists stranded as bridge linking north, southwest collapses

    Mokwa flood disaster: Motorists stranded as bridge linking north, southwest collapses

    Motorists are currently stranded as part of the bridge at Mokwa linking the North and Southwestern part of the country collapsed due to flooding in Niger State.

    The bridge collapsed on Wednesday after a heavy downfall on Tuesday night.

    Government agencies’ report have it that no fewer than 100 persons have lost their lives with property worth millions of Naira destroyed as a result of the flood.

    It was when the flood subsided that it was noticed that the bridge had collapsed.

    One of the motorists, Awual Mohammed, told NAN that many motorists have been stranded since Thursday on both sides of the bridge, which made it impossible for motorists to continue with their journey.

    “If the bridge is not fixed immediately, it will disrupt trade activities between the North and Southwest regions,” he said.

    He called on the authorities to urgently repair the bridge and provide alternative solutions to mitigate the impact of future floods.

    Meanwhile, Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who visited the community, confirmed that over 100 bodies had been recovered from the floods.

    “The agency has confirmed 100 dead bodies have been recovered and  search rescue operation is still ongoing.

    “We need to keep our waterways clear, and it is very important that we do that. Our town planners also need to live up to expectations,” she said.

    She said NEMA officials had been on the ground since Thursday, assisting with search and rescue operations.

    Umar said the agency provided food and non-food items, including rice, blankets, and mats, handed over to the state government through the Deputy Governor, Mr Yakubu Garba.

    She said 11 people were admitted in the hospital, out of which 10 had been discharged and one woman who recently gave birth was still receiving treatment.

    She added that search and rescue operation was ongoing, with NEMA officials working to clear debris and recover more bodies.

    According to her, NEMA is working with the Red Cross and Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to support the affected community.

  • Niger flood disaster: FG breaks silence as death toll escalates

    Niger flood disaster: FG breaks silence as death toll escalates

    The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Mr Yakubu Garba, has visited victims of the flood disaster in Mokwa community as death tolls rises to over 100.

    Garba disclosed the casualty figure in an interview with newsmen during the visit to Mokwa on Friday.

    Recall that at least 21 person lost their lives and several houses were destroyed following a torrential downpour on Wednesday night.

    The affected areas were Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town, Mokwa Local Government Area of  the state.

    Garba said that the visit was based on the directive of Gov. Umaru Bago for an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.

    He said that over 100 bodies had been recovered, adding that search and rescue operation was still ongoing.

    “I have been briefed by officials from NEMA and NSEMA, who have been on ground since the incident occurred for search and rescue operations.

    “I was told that over 100 people lost their lives and some are yet to be buried as search and rescue operations are still ongoing,” he said.

    Garba, while addressing the victims at the Internally Displaced Camp (IDPs), urged them to exercise patience as the state government was working out modalities to provide relief materials to those affected.

    He said that the state government had received relief materials from NEMA, which had been handed over to the council chairman for onward distribution to the victims.

    He assured the victims that he would communicate his findings to the governor to secure additional support for those affected.

    He, however, cautioned against building structures on waterways and emphasised the need for residents to respect natural water pathways to prevent future disasters.

    Also speaking, Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, said that officials of the agency were on ground coordinating ongoing search and rescue operation.

    Umar said that the agency provided food and non-food items, including rice, blankets, and mats which had been handed over to the state government through the deputy governor to support victims.

    She also said that NEMA was working with the Red Cross and Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to support the affected community.

    One of the victims, Anas Usman, told NAN that 17 members of his household lost their lives to the disaster, saying the flood came on Thursday morning after heavy downpour on Wednesday night.

    “We were preparing to go to the farm in the morning when our house was suddenly submerged by floods, we did not know where the flood came from.

    “The flood submerged our house, causing the structure to collapse, we lost children, women and men, who are family members,” he said.

    Mokwa flood: FG mourns victims, mobilises relief efforts

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government has condoled with the families and victims of flood that occurred in Mokwa, Niger, which tragically claimed the lives of several persons.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris,  on Friday in Abuja.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and all those affected by this tragic event.

    “President Bola Tinubu has been fully briefed on the situation and has directed all relevant emergency and security agencies to intensify ongoing search and rescue operations.

    “The immediate priority of the Federal Government is to save lives and provide urgent relief to survivors.

    “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Niger Government is working round the clock to ensure that no effort is spared in bringing help to those in need,” Idris said.

    He commended the courage and dedication of first responders and volunteers, who were risking their lives in the ongoing rescue efforts.

    Idris also urged residents in the affected areas to cooperate fully with emergency officials and adhere to all evacuation directives that were issued.

    “The Federal Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. In this moment of grief, the nation stands united with them in solidarity.”

  • Flash flood claims 21 lives, ten still missing in Niger State

    Flash flood claims 21 lives, ten still missing in Niger State

    A flash flood has claimed 21 lives and left more than 10 persons missing in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, following a torrential downpour that struck overnight.

    According to a statement issued by the Acting Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Ibrahim Hussaini, the disaster struck the communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town during heavy rainfall of high intensity that lasted for several hours.

    The floodwaters submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses along with their occupants, resulting in significant casualties and property loss.

    The floodwaters submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses along with their occupants, resulting in significant casualties and property loss.

    In response, NSEMA, in collaboration with the Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and courageous volunteers, launched immediate search and rescue operations to find survivors and recover bodies.

    As of the time of this report, three survivors — a woman and her two children — are receiving medical treatment for injuries and trauma at the Mokwa General Hospital.

    So far, 21 corpses have been recovered, while search and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate more than 10 persons still missing,” Hussaini said

  • JUST IN: 21 dead, 10 missing in Niger flood disaster after severe rainfall

    JUST IN: 21 dead, 10 missing in Niger flood disaster after severe rainfall

    Niger State Emergency Management Agency says 21 people have lost their lives following a severe rainfall that resulted into a flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government of Niger.

    The Director General of the agency, Dr Ibrahim Hussaini, disclosed this to newsmen in Minna on Thursday.

    He said the incident occurred during a torrential downpour on Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction.

    Hussaini said three people were rescued alive, a woman and her two children and were receiving treatment for wounds and shock at Mokwa General Hospital.

    He said 21 bodies have so far been recovered in the incidence while over 10 persons were still missing as search and rescue operation continued.

    He said the affected communities were Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa town.

    He added that over 50 residential houses were submerged and washed away with their occupants.

    He said NSEMA in collaboration with Mokwa Local Government, local divers, and volunteers were conducting search and rescue operations to rescue survivors and recover corpses.

  • 1.2 million Nigerians displaced by floods in 2024 – NEMA

    1.2 million Nigerians displaced by floods in 2024 – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that 1,243,638 Nigerians were displaced by floods in 2024, with 1,237 lives lost.

    The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said this at a stakeholders engagement on national disaster preparedness and response campaign 2025, held in Owerri on Tuesday.

    Umar, represented by NEMA’s Head of Partnership and Collaboration, Mr Evan Niko, said that the floods which affected a total of 5,264,097 persons, also affected 1,439,296 farmlands and left 16,469 persons injured.

    Speaking on the theme: “ Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Preparedness and Response”, Umar called for more attention to the grassroots to save lives and build communal resilience across Nigeria.

    She said that NEMA had developed climate-related risk implications, preparedness, mitigation and response actions to reduce the would-be impacts of the 2025 floods, based on the predictions by Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.

    “We have embarked on various activities aimed at preventing and mitigating the expected impacts of the disaster with a view to reminding stakeholders about their responsibilities in flood disaster management.

    “Today’s downscaling exercise of the 2025 seasonal climate prediction is further aimed at acquainting major emergency management stakeholders about the predictions and what is expected of them, to mitigate the expected impacts of the disaster,” he said.

    Speaking, a Principal Relief Officer with NEMA, Mr Michael Ajide, described Imo as “one of the high risk states of flooding”, with Oguta and Ohaji-Egbema LGAs topping the charts.

    He urged governments at all levels to invest in drainage and dam infrastructure to encourage flood resilient planning in riverine zones.

    Also speaking, NEMA’s Head of Operations for Abia and Imo, Mr Nnamdi Igwe, called for remote sensing for flood mapping, rehabilitation of local drainages and strengthening of community liaison desks to ease communication and avert disasters.

    Mr Ekene Ahaneku, a Healthcare Officer with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, called for more collaborations with state emergency management agencies to decentralise relief efforts and achieve optimal outcomes.

    The Deputy Chairman, Imo Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Fred Nwachukwu, however, expressed readiness to effectively implement strategies for better governance outcomes at the grassroots level.

  • UNDP urges action to avert flood disasters

    UNDP urges action to avert flood disasters

    The UN Development Programme, Global Environment Facility, Small Grants Programme (UNDP GEF SGP) has called on communities to raise awareness, take proactive measures, and prevent flood-related disasters.

    Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator of the UNDP GEF SGP, made this appeal during an interview in Abuja on Sunday.

    “I urge communities to remain vigilant, drawing lessons from past experiences, and not to underestimate the devastating impact of flooding.

    “We must improve our strategies and develop clear evacuation plans, including identifying alternative routes for movement,” she told NAN.

    Olubamise emphasised that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) could support communities by providing first aid kits in anticipation of potential flooding, rather than waiting until disaster strikes.

    “NEMA can also explore traditional knowledge and practices that communities have historically used to prepare for and manage heavy rainfall.

    “Relevant agencies should incorporate such indigenous practices to ensure that accurate, timely, and adequate information is disseminated to communities,” she advised.

    According to her, this would also help reduce the pressure on emergency response efforts should flooding occur.

    “It is essential to enforce compliance with safety guidelines within communities to ensure people adhere to early warnings and advice provided by authorities.

    “There are proven communal strategies that have worked in the past. Communities should raise awareness among themselves to enhance their preparedness and understanding of flood risks.

    “Stockpiling food in secure locations could be useful in the event that floods disrupt livelihoods, particularly farming and access to markets.

    “To stay informed, communities should listen regularly to the radio for updates from relevant authorities, and follow all advice given to ensure the safety of lives and property,” she added.

    Olubamise also urged communities to be mindful of the potential risks in the aftermath of flooding.

    “There are significant health concerns, such as waterborne diseases, especially when clean water sources are contaminated,” she warned.

    She reflected on recent global events, noting, “The world was shaken by another natural disaster on April 23 when a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck parts of Bulgaria, Türkiye, Greece, and Romania.

    “This incident made me reflect on how relatively fortunate Nigeria is in being spared from certain natural disasters,” she said.

    Olubamise acknowledged that while some countries have developed strong systems and infrastructure to respond swiftly to such disasters, Nigeria still has room for improvement.

    “Although Nigeria has made progress through the establishment of NEMA and, in some cases, state-level emergency agencies, their efforts are often insufficient for various reasons.

    “Therefore, it is vital to explore alternative approaches to address these gaps.

    “I believe that widespread awareness campaigns and empowering local communities are essential in managing natural disasters, many of which can be mitigated if the right structures are in place.

    “Each year, rainfall leads to flooding across several states, disrupting movement, livelihoods such as farming, food supplies, and, tragically, resulting in loss of life,” she stated.

    Olubamise urged Nigerians to ensure that the rainy season remains a blessing, rather than a source of chaos, destruction, and sorrow.

    “I call on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and NEMA to intensify their efforts by engaging in broad awareness campaigns to keep citizens informed about weather forecasts and early warnings,” she said.

  • Delta Govt distributes relief to flood victims

    Delta Govt distributes relief to flood victims

    The Delta State Government on Thursday distributed relief materials to victims of the 2024 flood disaster in various parts of the state.

    At a ceremony in Asaba, Co-chairman of the State Flood Management Committee, Mr Terry Etacherure, presented the materials to representatives from four affected Local Government Areas.

    Etacherure, who also serves as Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, said the items were for victims in Oshimili South, Aniocha South, Burutu, and Isoko South.

    Items distributed to the council representatives included bags of rice, beans, detergents, vegetable oil, palm oil, salt, and cartons of tinned tomatoes, among others.

    He noted that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had earlier provided relief materials to communities devastated by the 2024 flood.

    Etacherure said the gesture reflects Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s firm commitment to the welfare of all residents in the state.

    He urged the local government representatives to ensure the materials reach the most vulnerable in their communities.

    “You should ensure that people who have not yet received assistance are also given a share,” he added.

    Mr Tony Ebube, Secretary to Aniocha South Local Government Council, thanked the state for its support to flood victims.

    He said the relief materials would help ease the suffering caused by the disaster.

    “We assure you that the items will reach the intended beneficiaries.

    “This initiative highlights Governor Oborevwori’s strong dedication to the people’s welfare and progress,” Ebube said.

    Mr Gregory Ejehwomu, Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Special Duties, and Mr Karo Ovemeso, SEMA Director, attended the event.

  • Flood scare: Residents of Rivers, Bayelsa told to relocate

    Flood scare: Residents of Rivers, Bayelsa told to relocate

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Rivers and Bayelsa to relocate to higher ground over impending flooding in both states.

    Mr Eric Ebhodaghe, South-South Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, made the remark during a news conference held on Friday in Port Harcourt.

    Recall that the Nigerian Metrological Institute (NIMET) recently forecasted flooding in 30 States across the country.

    Ebhodaghe highlighted that coastal States such as Bayelsa and Rivers were likely to experience significant flooding during the current rainy season.

    He noted that NEMA had already begun preparing communities to mitigate the anticipated impact of the flood, particularly as rainfall intensified in the affected states.

    “We are working to reduce the impact on the people by sensitising them, with the aim of minimising economic losses and protecting lives,” he stated.

    Following NIMET’s flood prediction, Ebhodaghe said NEMA initiated consultations with federal, state, and local governments to coordinate mitigation efforts.

    “In Rivers State, we have identified communities within various local government areas that are at high risk of flooding during the rainy season.

    “We have been visiting these flood-prone communities to raise awareness and educate residents, ensuring that they take precautionary measures to avoid major losses.

    “Although we cannot prevent the flooding, we can manage it, and encourage relocation to safe grounds within communities and to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps,” he added.

    The zonal coordinator stressed that prevention was critical in disaster management, particularly in the context of flooding.

    He reported that an IDP camp had been established in each of the 15 local government areas identified as being highly vulnerable to flooding.

    “We have also engaged with Community Development Committees, youth leaders, traditional rulers, and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to prepare for the flooding.

    “The engagements are centred on improving local capacity to prevent and manage flooding through measures such as proper waste management systems,” he noted.

    Ebhodaghe urged residents to ensure that drainage systems were regularly cleared to allow the free flow of rainwater into natural channels.

    “When the water channels are blocked, the water will inevitably find alternative routes; therefore, if we adhere to responsible waste disposal and drainage maintenance, we will enhance our flood mitigation efforts,” he concluded.