In a tragic turn of events, Nigeria is grappling with devastating floods that have claimed the lives of at least 321 people and displaced over 740,000 across the country this year, authorities reported on Thursday.
Chukwuma Soludo, governor of the southeastern state of Anambra, revealed the staggering figures during a press briefing in Abuja, following the monthly National Economic Council meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Soludo described the situation as a national emergency, highlighting that prolonged rainfall has led to widespread displacement, loss of lives, and destruction of homes and livelihoods.
“The country is facing a national emergency concerning flooding, and the reports so far identify a major national disaster,” Soludo stated. “There was a serious emphasis on the need for a massive program of dredging of the waterways.”
According to Soludo, 34 out of Nigeria’s 36 states have experienced flooding, affecting 217 local government areas. The floods have resulted in 2,854 injuries, destroyed or affected approximately 281,000 houses, and ravaged 258,000 hectares of cultivated farmlands, threatening food security in the nation.
In response to the crisis, the Economic Council has directed a comprehensive review of the state of local waterways and dams to mitigate the impact of future flooding. “The council also urged governors who have not submitted their reports on the flooding situation and management in their states to do so immediately,” Soludo added.
The flooding, attributed mainly to prolonged rainfall, underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and disaster preparedness in Nigeria. The call for dredging waterways aims to enhance water flow and reduce the likelihood of future floods causing such extensive damage.
As communities across Nigeria continue to grapple with the aftermath, efforts are underway to provide relief to the displaced and rebuild affected areas. The federal and state governments are collaborating on strategies to prevent similar disasters, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures and investment in critical infrastructure.
The international community and humanitarian organizations are also being called upon to assist Nigeria in addressing the immediate needs of those affected and supporting long-term recovery and resilience efforts.
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At least 321 people killed in nationwide flooding in Nigeria
cgtn.com
