Heavy rains and flooding have devastated 28 states in Nigeria, claiming 175 lives and displacing over 200,000 people. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reports that 133 Local Government Areas are affected, with 526,703 people impacted and significant damage to homes and farmland.
In response, state governments and NEMA are working to evacuate residents from flood-prone areas. NEMA has activated the National Emergency Operation Centre to manage disaster response more effectively. The Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to disaster management.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to flood victims and committed to providing necessary aid. He called for improved disaster prevention strategies, noting that many floods could be mitigated with better planning.
NEMA’s spokesperson, Ezekiel Manzo, stressed that state governments are primarily responsible for evacuations, with NEMA providing support. Authorities are preparing for potential floods in northern states, which historically experience severe flooding due to rainfall patterns and rising water levels from upstream.
State governments are also taking measures to address the crisis. For instance, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State announced a N3 billion intervention fund to assist affected communities. Additionally, the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Funds is assessing the situation and planning sustainable measures.
In contrast, Plateau State is grappling with a lack of rainfall, affecting farmers. The state government and local farmers are calling for government intervention to provide seeds and irrigation solutions.
Efforts are underway across the country to mitigate the impact of the floods and prepare for future occurrences. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to move to higher ground and stay informed about emergency plans.
