Niger Flood: Death Toll Reaches 151 as Northern Governors Mourn

The recent floods in Niger State have resulted in 151 confirmed deaths and over 3,000 displaced persons. The Northern Governors’ Forum has called for urgent action to assist the affected communities. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a delegation to provide aid. Meanwhile, Nasarawa State is advising residents of flood-prone areas to evacuate to safer locations.

A recent flood in Niger State has led to a tragic increase in the death toll, which now stands at 151, with more than 3,000 people displaced. The deluge adversely affected the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in the Mokwa Local Government Area around Wednesday night. Torrential rains submerged homes and took the lives of over 100 individuals, as confirmed by the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Yakubu Garba.

Reports from Sunday PUNCH note that at least 44 flood victims were buried on Friday, following the earlier burial of 31 victims recovered earlier in the week. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) stated that the impact of the flood was severe, affecting three communities and causing significant infrastructure damage, including the washing away of two bridges.

In an official statement released on Saturday, NSEMA revealed the latest data, stating, “151 corpses have so far been recovered, while 11 persons were injured. 3,018 individuals have been displaced, impacting 503 households and resulting in 265 homes being destroyed.”

The Northern Governors’ Forum, under the chair of Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, has expressed profound sorrow, calling the flood a national tragedy requiring urgent action. The forum emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to provide immediate relief and promote long-term recovery strategies for the affected communities. In a statement, Yahaya voiced his heartbreak over the destruction and lauded the responses from state government and emergency agencies.

In a gesture of solidarity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched a high-level delegation to Niger State. This team was led by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, alongside Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. Their visit was aimed at conveying condolences from the President and assessing the situation on the ground.

During the visit, Minister Idris shared the President’s sorrow, stating, “Mr. President is personally saddened by this, and yesterday he directed that every available resource of the Federal Government should be deployed to Mokwa.” The delegation relayed the federal government’s commitment to supporting the relief efforts through immediate deployments and collaboration.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency is actively assessing the disaster’s impact and mobilizing resources for immediate support. Idris confirmed that the agency is aligning its efforts with state officials to ensure effective delivery of aid and recovery assistance for the affected.

A significant call for action was also made regarding future disaster preparedness; the National Orientation Agency has been tasked to intensify community education regarding flood risks. Yilwatda mentioned that the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons would continue the support for those displaced.

In related news, the Nasarawa State Government has urgently advised residents of vulnerable communities to evacuate to higher ground, looking to prevent any further loss of life. Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Margaret Elayo, stated the necessity of this action in light of recent flood predictions and previous experiences with loss and damage.

She emphasized collaboration with local leaders to assist affected residents in finding safe relocation options and urged the public to refrain from littering drains and constructing buildings in flood-prone areas to mitigate future flooding risks. Additionally, Elayo pledged to enhance public awareness about the importance of maintaining clean waterways as a preventive measure against flooding.

In summary, the catastrophic flooding in Niger State has led to a devastating loss of life and displacement of thousands. The Northern Governors’ Forum, alongside federal initiatives, seeks to address the pressing needs for relief and long-term recovery. Authorities are sounding alarms about preparedness for future disasters, highlighting the importance of community involvement and infrastructure maintenance. Meanwhile, neighboring states are taking proactive measures to protect their residents from similar tragedies.

Original Source: punchng.com