Niger Flood: Death Toll Reaches 151 as Northern Governors Express Condolences

Flooding in Niger State has resulted in 151 deaths and over 3,000 displacements. The disaster affected several communities in Mokwa Local Government Area, prompting condolences from Northern Governors and a federal relief response. Plans are underway to improve disaster preparedness while residents in Nasarawa State are being advised to evacuate flood-prone areas ahead of seasonal rains.

In Niger State, the death toll from the recent devastating flood has tragically climbed to 151, alongside the displacement of at least 3,018 individuals. This disaster primarily impacted the communities of Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa within Mokwa Local Government Area. On Wednesday night, intense rainfall led to severe flooding that submerged homes and resulted in the loss of over 100 lives, as reported by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the grim figures on Saturday, detailing how the flood affected three communities and destroyed two bridges. According to Baba-Arah, Director General of NSEMA, the flooding also injured 11 people and impacted 503 households with 265 homes completely washed away. The comprehensive damage highlights the widespread fallout from this natural disaster.

Condolences are pouring in from various quarters, notably the Northern Governors’ Forum, led by Gombe State’s Governor Muhammadu Yahaya. The Forum characterized the flooding as a national tragedy that requires swift and coordinated action. In a statement, Yahaya expressed his sorrow over the devastating impact and emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work together for immediate aid and long-term recovery efforts. Notably, he praised the swift response from Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State and emergency management teams.

In related developments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched a high-level delegation to Niger State to lend support to victims of the flood. The delegation, spearheaded by Ministers Mohammed Idris and Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, conveyed the President’s condolences and compassion during a visit to Deputy Governor Garba. Minister Idris noted that President Tinubu is deeply saddened and has ordered federal resources to aid relief efforts.

The National Emergency Management Agency is actively engaged in disaster assessment and is coordinating immediate assistance for the affected individuals. NEMA, according to Idris, is committed to working closely with state authorities to ensure optimal support is provided swiftly. Moreover, the President has directed the National Orientation Agency to enhance public awareness campaigns in flood-prone areas to improve disaster preparedness.

On the preventive side, the Nasarawa State Government has instructed residents of flood-prone areas to seek higher ground amid predictions of upcoming rain challenges. Commissioner for Environment, Margaret Elayo, highlighted the urgency of this directive, citing previous flood-related losses. Collaborating with local authorities, the state aims to guide vulnerable residents to safer locations.

Furthermore, Elayo urged the public to refrain from improper waste disposal in drainage systems and to avoid constructing structures in vulnerable areas to mitigate flooding risks. As part of broader sanitation efforts, she underscored the importance of keeping environments clean to not only minimize disease outbreaks but to ensure healthier living conditions overall. Elayo promised to push initiatives to position the state among the top cleanest regions in Nigeria, highlighting the crucial role of community cooperation.

This devastating flood in Niger State, which has claimed 151 lives and displaced over 3,000 people, underscores the growing emergency that climate-related disasters present in the region. With various levels of government mobilizing resources and action, the focus is now on coordinated relief efforts and improved long-term disaster preparedness. As the situation continues to unfold, the call for public awareness and environmental responsibility is more pressing than ever to guard against future catastrophes.

Original Source: punchng.com