ABUJA – The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared a state of emergency in response to severe flooding affecting 21 local government areas (LGAs) across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The crisis, exacerbated by torrential rainfall in recent days, has led to significant displacement of residents and loss of property, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts.
Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utserv, alongside Minister of State Bello Goronyo and Director General of Nigeria Hydrological Services, NIHSA, highlighted the dire situation.
The flooding, primarily caused by flash and urban floods resulting from intense and prolonged rainfall, has been compounded by inadequate drainage systems in urban areas.
Earlier predictions from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had already flagged 148 LGAs in 31 states as high flood-risk areas for 2024.
With 249 LGAs categorized as moderate risk and 377 as low risk, the impact has nonetheless been severe in several regions.
The affected states identified include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT.
The crisis reached a critical point on June 24, 2024, when torrential rains in the FCT caused the flooding of Trade More Estate in Lugbe, resulting in two fatalities and extensive property damage. Local government areas, including AMAC, Kuje, Gwagwalada, Bwari, and Kwali, have also been severely affected.
Beyond the FCT, states such as Anambra, Edo, Benue, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Nasarawa, and Taraba have reported varying degrees of flooding, with communities like Onitsha North, Benin, Makurdi, Oke-Ero, Moro, Agege, Alimosho, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Ikeja, Eti-Osa, Ijebu-Ode, Oriade, Doma, Takum, and Sardauna bearing the brunt.
The ongoing cholera outbreak, further exacerbated by the floods, has claimed 63 lives and afflicted 2,102 individuals across the nation as of Wednesday, July 3, 2024, according to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The situation is expected to worsen as rainfall intensifies, particularly in southern Nigeria, heightening the risk of increased flooding and spreading waterborne diseases.
Minister Utserv emphasized the critical need for immediate intervention, urging state and local authorities to prioritize disaster response and relief efforts.
The federal government, through the relevant agencies, is mobilizing resources to provide emergency assistance to affected communities, including temporary shelters, clean water, and medical supplies.
As Nigeria grapples with this humanitarian crisis, attention is also being focused on long-term solutions to improve drainage infrastructure and mitigate the impact of future flooding.
The government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens amidst these challenging circumstances.
In response to the escalating crisis, humanitarian organizations and NGOs are collaborating with government agencies to deliver aid and support to those most affected.
The coming days will be critical as efforts continue to stabilize affected areas and prevent further loss of life and property.
For now, the focus remains on immediate relief and recovery efforts, with authorities urging vigilance and preparedness among communities as the rainy season progresses.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
