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Tag: Flood

  • Flood: Rivers approach danger thresholds in Kogi

    Flood: Rivers approach danger thresholds in Kogi

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged communities in flood-prone areas to immediately relocate to highland as the Benue and Niger rivers approached danger thresholds.

    The Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, gave the advice on Thursday when he led the “NOA Flood Sensitisation and Evaluation Team” to sensitise some reverine communities in Kogi State.

    The water level of Benue and Niger rivers had risen to about 9.2m  on Sept. 25, compared to the usual level of about five meters, according to Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

    The NOA DG said the release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam could cause a significant flooding and environmental damage in Nigeria especially in 11 States as predicted by the National Hydrological Information Service (NIHSA).

    Issa-Onilu, who was represented by the NOA Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Abuja, Malam Nuru Kobi, stressed that the flood disaster was imminent, and urged people in riverine communities to seek shelter in a safer place immediately.

    The DG said that NOA was alerting the populace especially the frontline States, which include Kogi. Adamawa, Nassarawa, Taraba, Benue, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Balyesa and Rivers.

    He noted that NOA had constituted a Flood Sensitisation and Evaluation team, who were going round the 11 States along the river Benue basin to sensitise the communities to move to highlands.

    “We have opened all our channels of communication on flood alert in NOA to kick-start sensitisation. NOA has already mobilised all our officers in those 11 States go round and sensitise all the communities to be impacted negatively by the release of the Camaroon’s Lagdo Dam.

    “Like in Kogi, we have five local government areas that will be affected which includes Lokoja, Kogi, Omala, Ajaokuta, Idah and Ibaji. What we are doing now is called ‘Risk communication’, to evaluate the risk and then advise them accordingly.

    “So, we are visiting communities, markets, religious centres and traditional leaders, to sensitise the people especially in the flood prone areas to move to upland,” he said.

    He noted that over 600 lives were lost and about 10,000 houses submerged during the 2022 flood disaster, stressing that the federal government is taking proactive measures to mitigate flood disaster Incase of eventuality in 2024.

    The NOA DG commended Kogi Government for putting proactive measures in place that would mitigate the devastating flood effects in the flood -prone areas.

    He added: “we are happy seeing what the Kogi government has been put in place, such as the establishment of IDP camps among others. We hope that other States will emulate Kogi”.

    The State Director of NOA, Mr Abdulganiyu Dare, said the agency has been collaborating with the Kogi government and other relevant agencies to ensure that residents of riverine communities were adequately sensitised.

    “As agency with the mandate to enlightened the public about the programmes, policies and activities of government, we have been working harmoniously with SEMA and other relevant to ensure adequate sensitisation,” Dare said.

    The Executive Secretary, Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Muktar Atimah, said the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has set up 42 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps across eight flood-prone local government areas of the state.

    He, however disclosed that Ibaji which is the nineth LGA, has almost been submerged by flood.

    Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on State Emergency Management (SEMA), Sandra Musa, said the State Government has been collaborating with the Nigerian Navy, the NEMA to monitor the water level on daily basis.

    “As of today, the water level of Benue and Niger rivers has risen to about 9.2 meters compared to the usual level of about five meters,”: she said.

    She, therefore advised the people in the flood prone areas to immediately evacuate to save their lives and valuables.

    Speaking on behalf of Edeha community, the traditional ruler, Alhaji Abdullahi Isah, commended NOA for coming to sensitise their people.

    He, however appealed to both federal and state governments through their relevant agencies to construct permanent structures with basic facilities as IDPs, instead of using schools that lack the required minimum facilities.

    “As I am talking to you now, our community has been submerged including my own house, so we have no choice than to relocate to a safer place.

    “But we are appealing to government at all levels to construct permanent structures as IDPs instead of using schools which lack basic facilities and cannot even accommodate all of us”, Isah said.

    NOA sensitisation and evaluation team also paid an advocacy visit to the palace of the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo, who commended the agency for the initiative, and assured them of support and cooperation.

    The team also visited riverine Kabawa community in Lokoja, Edeha community in Koton-Karfe/Kogi and 500 Housing Estate in Ajaokuta.

    Some flood victims, who were seeing evacuating their belongings in some of the communities visited, appealed for governments’ support.

    Mrs Sukirat Jimoh, a mother of five; and Mr Umar Jimba, told NAN that their houses had been flooded, adding that the waters were rising everyday.

    “We are appealing to the federal and state governments to come to our aids,” Jimoh said.

  • NEMA confirms 1 dead, two missing in Ibadan flood

    NEMA confirms 1 dead, two missing in Ibadan flood

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the death of one and two missing persons in a Tuesday evening flood incident around the Joyce-B/Mobil area of Ibadan.

    The NEMA South-West Coordinator, Mr Kadir Olanrewaju, disclosed this to NAN in Ibadan on Wednesday while assessing the level of damage at the scene.

    According to reports. a heavy downpour on Tuesday across some areas within the Ibadan metropolis affected some residential areas, leaving inestimable property destroyed.

    Olanrewaju attributed the flooding to improper channelisation of drainage in the area, saying the volume of water in the area was too much for the available drainages.

    He said the flood reached the gate level, adding that the area was a flash flood plane, which might result in heavy disaster if not addressed at the right time.

    “People need to move away from this place because if we have another rain, the flood will be devastating; you can see that the lower parts of most of the buildings and the fences are weak,” he said.

    One of the residents of the area, Mr Solomon Agboro, said the flood covered the ground floor of his building, forcing his family members to run upstairs for safety.

    Agboro, who said the flood destroyed all the property on the ground floor, called on the government to come to their aid in creating proper channelisation in the area.

    Another resident, Mrs Oni Bishola, said she had been living in the area for the last four years and had been experiencing flooding every year.

    Bishola however, said that Tuesday’s flooding was the heaviest in the area since she moved in.

    She added that most household items like gas cookers, televisions, compressors, machines and mattresses, among others, were destroyed.

    She called on the management of the Ibadan South-West Local Government and Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to come to their aid in providing a proper water channelisation.

    NAN also observed that the fence of a building under construction beside Calvary Heritage School, Felele area of Ibadan, was brought down due to the flooding.

    At the Idi-Odo junction, the front of FCMB was flooded due to lack of proper drainages, thus disrupting the free flow of vehicles.

    Some roads in the adjoining streets at Ring Road area were also badly affected due to the heavy downpour.

  • Borno flood: Beyond relief – By Dakuku Peterside

    Borno flood: Beyond relief – By Dakuku Peterside

    Let me be upfront: I commiserate with everyone affected by the Borno flood. This is a catastrophe that goes beyond physical devastation; it is about systemic failures. I appreciate Governor Babagana Zulum’s leadership so far. In response to the crisis, he outperforms the typical Nigerian governor with swift action, pragmatic decisions, and an unflinching commitment to the people. I join the people of Borno, particularly those affected by the flood, in thanking everyone who has expressed concern about the terrible but avoidable humanitarian situation in Nigeria’s Northeast.

    According to yet-to-be-verified accounts, exceptionally heavy rains in September caused the Alau Dam to collapse just a few kilometres outside Maiduguri. By Tuesday morning, September 10, about half of the city was submerged, displacing thousands of families, destroying homes, and crippling critical infrastructure. The flood has directly impacted over 150,000 people in Maiduguri alone, with several communities completely cut off due to submerged roads. According to the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, over 30,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, and critical facilities, including schools, hospitals, and markets, have been inundated. The extensive damage to farmland, affecting more than 12,000 hectares, threatens food security in a region grappling with severe hunger and malnutrition.

    This year alone, floods have affected multiple local government areas in Borno State, including Jere, Konduga, and Dikwa. Reports from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) indicate that over 250,000 people across Borno and neighbouring Yobe and Adamawa states have been displaced by floods in 2024. The tragic death toll stands at over 50, with many more still unaccounted for. The economic losses run into billions of naira, exacerbating the region’s already dire humanitarian crisis. The tragedy starkly highlights our vulnerability to extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change and lack of preparedness.

    In line with global standards of response to humanitarian disasters of this nature, humanitarian organizations, the World Health Organization (WHO), local and international NGOs, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) quickly mobilized to provide relief materials such as food, healthcare supplies, and sanitation facilities to assist affected persons. Notable contributions also came from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the World Food Programme (WFP), the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), the Aliko Dangote Foundation, and the Presidential Committee on Flood and Disaster, showcasing a wide-ranging but often uncoordinated response.

    Federal and state governments joined the “disaster relief donation club,” and politicians and the business elite, some genuinely altruistic and others merely grandstanding, started outcompeting one another in the publicized donation of funds and supplies. However, this influx of generosity was more about optics than solutions. The flood brought politicians and business people of all persuasions into a symbolic handshake—not to address the root causes of the disaster nor to create a system that prevents future recurrences but to protect elite interests and boost political capital. Amidst this, desperate and displaced Nigerians, struggling to rebuild their lives, began keeping mental records of who was donating what, hoping against hope that the show of support would somehow translate into lasting change.

    But the real work remains undone. What was the root cause of this flooding that displaced millions in the Northeast? With a plethora of governmental institutions, including the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), why did we not have accurate intelligence or early warning systems to forestall this disaster? Nigeria’s reactive approach to disaster management is a recurring theme; each year, communities face floods, and each year, relief arrives too late for many.

    It is impossible to ignore the impact of climate change on these weather patterns. This flood is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, troubling trend of extreme weather events linked to global climate change. In 2022 alone, floods across Nigeria displaced over 2.8 million people, with Borno among the worst affected states. Yet, how seriously are we taking climate change? Our policies and actions seem disconnected from the urgent need to build climate resilience. Despite being one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, Nigeria’s response to these challenges is often piecemeal and needs a more strategic vision.

    The Borno flood is an exposé on deeper, systemic issues plaguing our government and country. Beyond the relief efforts, it is time for the government and stakeholders at all levels to address sustainable development, particularly poverty alleviation, environmental degradation, and the dire lack of requisite infrastructure that makes our communities vulnerable to disasters. It is high time governments adopt proactive policies that anticipate potential disasters rather than merely reacting after they occur. This includes monitoring dams and related infrastructure, regular updates to disaster response plans based on past experiences, and integrating climate adaptation strategies.

    Prevention is key.

    Nigeria does not have a comprehensive warning system for landslides, floods, and other natural disasters. We tend to wait until calamities strike before mobilizing resources for the affected, highlighting the inefficiencies and inconsiderate disposition of our political leaders. The urgent need for a comprehensive warning system cannot be overstated. Very often, short-term political agendas overshadow long-term flood and disaster prevention measures.

    As I stated in my earlier essay on reactive governance, dated July 10, 2023, our political leaders cannot continue to prioritize short-term relief over long-term readiness and resilience planning. This shortsightedness hampers effective disaster management in situations like the Borno flood. The emphasis on short-term aid reflects a larger pattern in which political narratives precede genuine efforts to implement innovative measures to avert future disasters. Moreover, it undermines the efficiency of response efforts when disasters do occur.

    The critical question is: what kind of flood management system do we need to implement to prevent a repeat occurrence? Here are some key strategies that Nigeria, should consider adopting:

    First is building a comprehensive flood risk mapping and early warning systems. Flood risk mapping is essential for identifying flood-prone areas and implementing risk reduction measures. By investing in robust, real-time early warning systems, authorities can provide timely alerts to residents, enabling them to take precautionary measures. These systems should be integrated with weather forecasts from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and real-time river basins and dams monitoring.

    The second is improving and maintaining Dams and Drainage Systems. Critical infrastructure failures like the Alau Dam are a significant contributing factor to Borno’s flooding. Regular maintenance and upgrading of dams, levees, and drainage systems are vital to ensure they can withstand extreme weather events. Governments should establish a monitoring framework to regularly assess the integrity of such infrastructures and carry out necessary repairs and reinforcements.

    Third is a Reforestation and Sustainable Land Management project. Deforestation and land degradation significantly increase flood risks by reducing the land’s natural ability to absorb water. Reforestation, particularly in flood-prone areas, helps stabilize soil and reduce runoff. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and managing land use can also mitigate flood impacts.

    Fourth is executing urban planning and Flood-Resilient Infrastructure. Urban areas in Nigeria often suffer from poor drainage, unregulated building practices, and inadequate flood defences. Enforcing stricter urban planning regulations and investing in flood-resilient infrastructure, such as elevated roads, floodwalls, and permeable pavements, can reduce the impact of flooding. Moreover, relocation of communities from high-risk zones to safer grounds should be considered.

    Fifth is to create a Community-Based Flood Management. Engaging local communities in flood management initiatives ensures that responses are tailored to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the population. This includes raising awareness about flood risks, emergency preparedness training, and involving communities in maintaining flood defences. Community-led initiatives can enhance resilience and ensure faster, more coordinated responses when floods occur.

    The sixth is to develop and implement a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, Nigeria must develop a comprehensive climate adaptation plan. This includes integrating climate risk assessments into national and regional planning, adopting water conservation techniques, and creating policies that promote climate-resilient agriculture. Proactive climate action can significantly reduce the long-term impact of flooding.

    Finally, providing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Effective flood management requires a holistic approach that considers upstream and downstream impacts. IWRM promotes coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources, ensuring that flood prevention measures are harmonized across sectors and regions.

    Natural disaster prevention and management are intrinsically linked to how seriously we take climate change. All stakeholders must take urgent and sustained action to address the issue at stake because the severe threats posed by climate change demand it. This is especially true in Nigeria, where a sizable part of the population depends on agriculture and other climate-sensitive sectors for their livelihood. Therefore, the government must implement practical, tangible, and fit-for-purpose measures to mitigate climate change risks and ensure sustainable development.

    This is a clarion call for change. The Borno flood must not just be another tragic entry in our history books but a pivotal moment that sparks transformative action. The path forward demands courage, commitment, and the will to prioritize our collective future over the moment’s politics.

  • BREAKING: FG sounds alarm as Cameroon ‘opens’ Lagdo Dam

    BREAKING: FG sounds alarm as Cameroon ‘opens’ Lagdo Dam

    The federal government of Nigeria has disclosed that the management of Lagdo Dam in Cameroon is set to release water from the reservoir, beginning from today 17th September, 2023. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) made the disclosure on behalf of the government.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lagdo Dam is a reservoir, covering an area of 586 km sq, located in the Northern Province of Cameroon on the Benue River in the Niger basin.

    According to the NIHSA, States that are susceptible to be affected by the release of water from the Lagdo Dam are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers.

    The States have been advised to step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible impacts of flooding that may occur as a result of increase in flow levels of the major rivers in the country as a result of the release of the water.

    Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja, Director General of NIHSA, Mr Umar Mohammed, stated that “following an official communication from the dam’s management, the water release will gradually increase over the next seven days”.

    According to him, the initial release rate is set at 100 cubic meters per second (approximately 8.64 million cubic meters per day) starting Sept. 17, 2024, with  potential increase to 1,000 cubic meters per second.

    He noted that the final rate will depend on inflows from the upstream Garoua River, the primary source of the reservoir, which also feeds into the Benue River, a key waterway in Nigeria.

    “The release will be regulated to ensure that water levels do not exceed the capacity of the Benue River system, preventing major flooding in downstream areas of Nigeria,” he added.

    He reassured the public that measures are in place to control the flow and reduce flooding risk, with the release stopping once inflows to the Lagdo reservoir is manageable. He emphasised that there is no immediate cause for alarm, as water levels along the Benue River remain within safe limits.

    He urged heightened vigilance from states bordering the Benue River, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers. He called on both federal and state governments, as well as local authorities, to prepare adequately for any potential rise in water levels to mitigate the risk of flooding.

    Mohammed also assured the public that “NIHSA will continue to monitor river flow levels closely and provide regular updates to prevent emergencies.”

    Recall that recently, the Niger Basin Authority has also warned of rising water levels in the River Niger, urging States along the river to remain on high alert for possible flooding.

  • Maiduguri flood: NCoS declares 281 inmates missing

    Maiduguri flood: NCoS declares 281 inmates missing

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has declared 281 inmates missing after evacuation of inmates by officers of the service with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO, Mr Abubakar Umar on Sunday in Abuja.

    The NCoS also said that seven other inmates had been recaptured.

    Umar said that the service was in custody of the details of the missing inmates, including their biometrics.

    “The flood brought down the walls of the correctional facilities, including the medium security custodial centre Maiduguri (MSCC) as well as the staff quarters in the City.

    “Upon the evacuation of inmates by officers of the service with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility, 281 inmates were observed to be missing.

    “However, it is important to note that the service is in custody of their details, including their biometrics, which is being made available to the public.

    “The service is working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to look out for them.

    “Presently, a total of seven (7) inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are on ground to track down the rest and bring them back to safe custody.

    “While this effort is on, the public is assured that the incidence does not impede or affect public safety” he said.

  • Flood wreaks havoc in Ebonyi community, destroys houses, farmlands

    Flood wreaks havoc in Ebonyi community, destroys houses, farmlands

    Heavy flooding has wreaked havoc in Azuoto, Okpuitumo Community in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi, destroying many farmlands and people’s property, worth millions of Naira.

    A victim, Mrs Chinyere Nworie, told newsmen in Abakiliki on Friday that her rice, yam and cassava farms were submerged by flood. Nworie said the incident had become a perennial experience in the area due to the nearness of Azuoto and Ebony River, linking the River Niger.

    She further said that no fewer than 96 households in the area were affected by the disaster.

    She said, “This flood happened on Saturday, following Friday’s heavy downpour. Our farms have been taken over by the rain flood. Our community has always suffered flooding every year, especially whenever it rained heavily and water overflows the Ebonyi River bank”.

    Also, another resident, Mr Amauche Agbo, described the incident as “unfortunate”. The victims appealed to government at all levels to come to their aid with relief materials to cushion the effect of the disaster on them.

    Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Uche Oba, said the agency had commenced assessment in the affected communities.

    Oba said the incident had been a worrisome phenomenon to the State Government.

  • Flood: We can’t admit fresh patients as our medical machines were submerged-UMTH CMD laments

    Flood: We can’t admit fresh patients as our medical machines were submerged-UMTH CMD laments

    The management of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital has halted admission of fresh patients into the hospital because of the fear of disease outbreak following the flooding incident that ravaged the metropolis this week.

    Recall that hundreds of residents were trapped as a devastating flood hit Maiduguri and other surrounding communities early on Tuesday.

    Some residents who spoke to media on Tuesday morning confirmed that the widespread flooding had submerged several houses, major roads, and official buildings including the Emir’s palace and the teaching hospital.

    The Chief Medical Director lamented that many expensive machines in the facility were submerged by the flood.

    Revealing the impact of the flood on the hospital Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, said the facility was highly impacted by the disaster.

    The Chief Medical Director lamented that many expensive machines in the facility were submerged by the flood.

    He said, “It will be very difficult to categorically state the extent of the damage but I have been in this hospital for the last 35 years and I have never seen something like this.

    “Virtually the hospital is the largest in the whole of West Africa with about 1,300 bed capacity and the whole of the group floor and the whole of the centres, we have about 14 specialised centres of excellence. They were all flooded. And some of the machines, they are very expensive, you know in the medical field.

    “The cancer machines are truly expensive. The radiologic department is very expensive. The laboratories are very expensive. The kidney centre machines are very expensive. All these machines are submerged in water.”

    He said these developments made the hospital management to take the hard decision to stop admitting new patients to avoid the risk of disease outbreaks.

    He continued: “For now we only carry emergency operations, we have suspended admission because of fear of contamination.

    “We fear that patients may get to the hospital and get infections and other forms of the disease because the whole of sewage of the hospital is flooded. And also, the cancer centre, we are not sure of nuclear contamination. So it is difficult for us to handle new patients now, we are just managing.

    “The patients on admission, we have to give them basic support, we have to move all of them in, upstairs. And another challenge that we have is that the oxygen plant of the hospital is also flooded.

    “If an emergency comes in, it may be very difficult. And the electricity supply, we have to off it (put it off). And water supply cannot be obtained without electricity.”

  • Maiduguri flood: UN reveals staggering human displacement

    Maiduguri flood: UN reveals staggering human displacement

    The United Nations (UN) says no fewer than 414,000 people have been displaced by the devastating flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Tuesday.

    Ms Ann Weru, Head of Public Information, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Abuja, stated this in a Media Advisory.

    Weru said that the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, plans to address the media on the issue.

    She said that the data was collected by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as of 11 September 2024.

    “NEMA’s records also show that 37 people died, and about 58 people sustained injuries,” she said.

    Access to hospitals, schools and markets, she added has been hampered.

    “Damage to infrastructure, including bridges, were recorded.  Evacuation of people in high-risk areas to safer ground is ongoing, amid concerns about the risk of disease outbreaks,” she said.

    She said that Mr Mohamed Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, will visit areas impacted by the flooding in Maiduguri and meet with affected people, local authorities and humanitarian partners.

    Government officials, humanitarian partners, representatives of UN agencies and donors, she said, will join Fall at a news conference later in the day.

  • Borno flood: Food insecurity to worsen – Refugee Commission

    Borno flood: Food insecurity to worsen – Refugee Commission

    The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has expressed fear that the recent flooding in Maiduguri, Borno may increase food insecurity. Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the commission expressed this concern at a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

    Ahmed noted that about 40 per cent of the farmlands in Maiduguri had been submerged, ahead of harvest season. He  said the destruction of the crops is likely to increase food insecurity, already  affecting over a million people.

    “The Commission is saddened by the recent catastrophic flooding as a result of the over flowing of the Alau Dam. Flowing from the needs assessment carried out, many persons have been displaced, some children declared missing and lives lost.

    “Additionally, infrastructural facilities including bridges, roads, houses have been affected, hampering access to hospitals, schools, markets and other livelihood activities in the affected states,” he said.

    He said the Commission would provide food, non-food items, educational materials, WASH, Shelter, drugs and medical supplies for emergency needs in order to bring succour to those adversely impacted by the flooding.

    “The Commission will also ensure the provision of mental health and Psycho-social support to those traumatised population. Equally, the Commission will support the Borno government in providing access to the Commission’s recovery shelter at Amarwa Resettlement city.

    “In view of the foregoing, an immediate palliative arrangement has been concluded by the commission to stabilise the displaced population in Borno,” Ahmed added.

    The federal commissioner commiserated with the Borno Government, People and families of victims affected by the flood. He also extended a heartfelt sympathy to the Government of Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa and adjoining states affected by the unfortunate incident.

  • 259 die in flood disaster – NEMA

    259 die in flood disaster – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that 1,048,312 people have been affected by flooding in Nigeria between April and September 2024. The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, disclosed this at the National Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) in Abuja on Thursday.

    Umar stated that 625,239 persons had been displaced and 259 lives lost to the disaster. She commiserated with those affected and assured them that the Federal Government, through NEMA, would provide necessary support. She said the main reason for convening the meeting was to receive updates on the flood situation and assign roles and responsibilities to stakeholders.

    Umar noted that although flooding could not be totally prevented, efforts were being made to mitigate its impact. According to the D-G, 29 states and 172 local government areas have been impacted by flooding, affecting 1,048,312 people, displacing 625,239, and resulting in 259 deaths. She emphasized the need for a coordinated response to the disaster.

    “NEMA has activated Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in some states and deployed additional staff to support search and rescue operations. The agency has also provided water purification equipment and critical search and rescue tools to affected states.”

    Umar appreciated the support of international partners and encouraged them to continue providing assistance while monitoring the situation. She noted that the situation was not yet overwhelming for the Nigerian government to cope with.

    The Assistant Director, Search and Rescue, Wagami Madu, presented an update on the flood, reporting seven deaths in Borno as of Saturday. Madu also mentioned challenges in Maiduguri, including inadequate serving materials and wash facilities due to the high number of people in the camp.

    Mrs Emmanuela Offiong, Assistant Director, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, stressed the need for proper fact-checking and communication on disaster management to avoid disinformation and misinformation.