The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 259 lives have been lost due to flooding across 22 states in Nigeria so far this year, 2024.
This figure was released on Thursday by NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, during a meeting of the National Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) held to address the worsening flood situation in the country.
According to Umar, a total of 1,048,312 people have been affected, with 625,239 displaced from their homes as floodwaters ravage 172 local government areas (LGAs) across 29 states.
The agency is working with state governments and international partners to provide relief and mitigate the impact of the floods.
“Except for the severe case in Borno State, where the spillway of the Alau Dam broke, the current trend does not show a complete deviation from the predictions in the Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA),” Umar stated.
The outlook, which covers the months from July to September 2024, had predicted high flood risks in 33 states and 135 LGAs. For the upcoming period between October and November, 19 states and 44 LGAs remain at risk.
The flood in Maiduguri, Borno State, which was particularly devastating, prompted swift action from state authorities.
NEMA has commended the efforts of Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and the State Emergency Management Agency for their leadership in response and rescue operations. Camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been activated to shelter those affected.
Aerial images of Maiduguri taken on September 10, 2024, reveal a grim picture, with homes submerged in floodwaters.
Nationwide, NEMA has deployed additional personnel and resources to assist in search and rescue operations and the distribution of essential relief materials.
“Our ongoing interventions across the affected states include the deployment of additional personnel, water purification equipment, and critical search and rescue tools,” Umar said.
“Food and non-food items are being provided to displaced populations, and rehabilitation efforts are ongoing.”
The Federal Government, through NEMA, expressed condolences to the families affected by the floods and assured them that relief efforts would continue.
Umar also acknowledged the support of humanitarian partners and emphasized the need for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to alleviate the suffering caused by the floods.
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