Niger Flood: Death Toll Hits 151 as Northern Governors Mourn

The recent floods in Niger State led to at least 151 fatalities and displaced over 3,018 residents. Authorities reported widespread infrastructure damage, prompting swift responses from both the state and federal governments. The Northern Governors’ Forum labeled the incident a national tragedy, while proactive measures began in other states to prevent further disaster. Public awareness campaigns are underway to address flood preparedness.

The devastating floods in Niger State have claimed the lives of at least 151 individuals and displaced over 3,018 residents, primarily in the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa areas of Mokwa Local Government. The catastrophe, caused by relentless rainfall, struck on Wednesday night, leading to the drowning of numerous homes and infrastructure. Confirmation of the casualties came from the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Yakubu Garba, who noted that at least 31 victims had already been buried earlier in the week.

In a Saturday statement, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported the extensive damage the floods inflicted, affecting three communities and destroying critical infrastructure, including two bridges. NSEMA Director General, Baba-Arah, detailed that aside from the 151 confirmed deaths, there were 11 injuries, with a total of 503 households impacted and 265 homes lost. Streets and bridges became one with the unforgiving waters.

The Northern Governors’ Forum, led by Gombe State’s Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, conveyed its condolences to the victims, labeling the situation as a national tragedy. Yahaya expressed heartbreak at the scale of destruction and called for a swift, coordinated response to provide aid and begin recovery efforts in the affected regions. He also noted the prompt actions taken by the Niger State Government and emergency responders to assist those in need.

In a swift response to the tragedy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched a high-profile delegation to Niger State, led by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, alongside the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. During their visit, Idris delivered the President’s condolences, emphasizing Tinubu’s commitment to deploying federal resources to support the ongoing relief effort. The President’s visceral concern over the devastation highlighted the government’s intentions to effectively mobilize assistance.

Idris noted that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had begun addressing the disaster while collaborating with state officials to ensure that victims receive necessary care and immediate support. Additionally, there is a push for public awareness campaigns focusing on disaster preparedness, particularly in regions vulnerable to flooding. Yilwatda elaborated that continuous support to the displaced individuals would be a priority through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.

In a related development, the Nasarawa State Government has taken proactive measures by urging residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer ground. Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Margaret Elayo, made clear the urgency of this directive given seasonal flooding forecasts. Partnering with local leaders, the government is working to ensure that residents understand the need for immediate relocation to avoid loss of life.

Elayo also called on the community to refraining from blocking drainage systems and constructing near waterways. She criticized the ongoing littering issues while emphasizing the importance of sanitation to prevent flooding and related health risks. She firmly stated a commitment to improve sanitation in Nasarawa to guard against future disasters.

The floods in Niger State have resulted in a tragic loss of life and widespread devastation, highlighting the urgency for coordinated disaster response and preparedness. Both state and federal governments are engaging to provide immediate assistance, while also stressing the necessity for public awareness and preventive actions against future flooding risks. Nasarawa’s proactive relocation measure reflects similar concerns across Nigeria as officials target long-term strategies to mitigate the effects of climate-related disasters.

Original Source: punchng.com