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The Niger State Emergency Management Agency has given a breakdown of the losses the state has so far incurred this year as a result of flooding caused by rainfall.
Apart from the rainfall, the agency noted that the flooding and the attendant disaster were caused by the overflow of the various dams in the state and the blocking of waterways with refuse dumps.
The Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, who made this known in a statement on Thursday, said the template was a collaboration between the Niger State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency, Minna Operations Office.
Tagged Flood Template In Nigeria As of September 2024, Baba-Arah disclosed that both agencies made vigorous efforts to educate the people, especially those resident in the riverine communities, on the need to move to the uplands in order to mitigate the effect of flood on the communities.
Arewa PUNCH reports that Niger State has had its share of floods since the rains started this year.
The DG noted that the affected states were still expecting more rains, and therefore, “flooding may still be with us, which is why we should not let down our guards. The rainfall pattern this year as predicted by NIMET, has placed Niger state among the first line states of the federation that will be affected by flood caused by heavy rains.”
According to the NSEMA DG, 11 people lost their lives to the floods in five local government areas of Mokwa, Shiroro, Munya, Katcha and Rijau while 529 communities in 19 out of the 25 LGAs In the state were affected by the flooding. Also, 41,192 people and 6865 households were affected while 34 communities have been displaced and are presently taking refuge in Internally Displaced Peoples camp created by the Niger State government.
“It is pertinent to report that as a result of this year’s flood, 529 communities in 19 out of the 25 local governments in the state have been affected. The local governments are Mokwa, Katcha Lavun, Lapai-, Agaie, Shiroro, Munya, Gbako, and Kontagora.
Others are: Bosso, Edati, Agwara Magama, Bida, Mashegu, Borgu Gurara, Suleja, and Rijau
“41,192 people and 6,865 households, mostly in these local governments, have so far been affected by flood as a result of this year’s rainy season. Also, 34 communities have been displaced and are now in Internally Displaced Peoples camps created by the Niger state government, with mostly staying with neighbouring communities.
“Sadly, we have lost 11 people to the flood, 5 in Mokwa LGA, two each in Shiroro and Munya LGAs, and one each in Katcha and Rijau LGAs. In addition, 246 school infrastructures have been washed away, creating accommodation problems for pupils, students, and teachers.
“We can also report that as of September this year, 18 bridges and 80 culverts have been destroyed by floods, causing communication problems for people in the affected areas.
“The state may also be facing serious food shortages because the flood has affected. 118,692 hectares of farmlands, some of which had crops ready for harvests. Over I600 fish ponds were also washed away.
“The flood situation/impact assessments are a collaboration between both NSEMA and NEMA and will continue to update the public on developments as they unfold.
Meanwhile, impact assessments are still ongoing, and such figures are not actual,” Baba-Arah stated.
The Director General disclosed that the Niger State Government approved the immediate procurement of food and non-food items. He said NSEMA has reached out to stakeholders, donor institutions, and international partners for interventions in favour of the affected persons.
