NEMA: Over 300 killed, 100,000 displaced by flood since January

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says over 300 persons have been killed, while 100,000 others have been displaced by flood in 2022.

According to NAN, Mustapha Ahmed, NEMA director-general, said this on Monday at an emergency technical meeting on flooding in the country.

Speaking in Abuja, he said 29 states and the federal capital territory (FCT) have been affected by flood in 2022, adding that about 500 persons have also sustained injuries.

“Our record indicates that more than 300 lives have been lost, 500 persons are seriously injured, with more than 100,000 others displaced and living either in temporary shelters, including schools, other public buildings, among benevolent host families,” he said.

“I call on all relevant frontline responders to intensify their preparedness efforts, carry out early warning targeting the most vulnerable communities, prepare for evacuation to safer ground and provide all other forms of life-saving assistance to persons at risk.”

In another development, Ibrahim Inga, director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said 14 persons have died, while many residents have been displaced in the recent flood that affected 20 LGAs in the state.

According to a statement on Monday, Inga said many communities, farmlands, and houses have been swept away, adding that the release of water from the Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro hydroelectric dams made many communities in riverine areas more vulnerable to floods.

“The state is already experiencing the negative impact of the flooding with houses, farmlands, bridges and linked roads washed away in some LGAs located up and downstream of the 4 dams,” the statement reads.

“These rendered many homeless and have affected the socio-economic activities of the communities.

“The LGAs include Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Gbako, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Mashegu, Agwara, Bida, Edati, Munya, Bosso, Chanchaga, Paikoro and Wushishi.

“14 deaths have so far been recorded; 6 in Magama, 2 in Kontagora, 2 in Agwara, and 1 each in Rafi, Lavun, Bosso and Paikoro.

“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has advised communities along River Niger in Kwara, Niger and Kogi states to relocate. The Agency’s warning is coming as a result of the discharge of water from Kainji and Jeba hydro dams located in Niger state.

“The dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute that could lead to the overflow of River Niger.

“The state government hereby advises our communities to limit activities around river banks during this peak rainy season to avoid being flooded.

“People living in riverine areas should relocate to safer grounds already identified.”