170 people killed in Nigeria floods over past weeks
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170 people killed in Nigeria floods over past weeks
In a devastating turn of events, over 170 individuals have lost their lives and more than 200,000 have been displaced due to extensive flooding across Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa. The National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) reported the grim details on Tuesday, highlighting the severe impact of the floods that have plagued the nation for weeks.
Northern Nigeria has been the hardest hit by these catastrophic floods, according to Manzo Ezekiel, spokesperson for NEMA. The situation remains precarious, with other regions of the country also at risk due to ongoing torrential rains and the rising levels of the Niger and Benue rivers. Ezekiel explained that flooding in Nigeria typically begins in the northern regions and then moves southward as the water flows downstream. “The pattern of flooding is such that it usually starts in the north and progresses to the central and southern parts of the country,” he said. “We anticipate that the central regions will soon experience similar flooding, potentially extending further south.”
While flooding is not uncommon during Nigeria’s rainy season, this year’s inundation has reached areas previously considered less susceptible. Ezekiel attributed this alarming trend to climate change, noting that some regions that were once not prone to flooding are now facing significant water damage.
Environmental experts point to inadequate drainage infrastructure as a contributing factor to the severity of Nigeria’s annual floods. The 2022 flooding was particularly catastrophic, with over 600 fatalities reported, making it the worst flooding incident in more than a decade. That disaster was exacerbated by excessive rainfall and the overflow of the Lagdo dam in neighboring Cameroon.
Recently, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued warnings about the impending movement of floodwaters from neighboring Niger and Mali into Nigeria. They advised states along the River Niger to be vigilant and prepared for potential flooding. The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has also raised alarms about the risk of flash floods across the country.
The current floods have not only resulted in significant loss of life but have also caused extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture. Nearly 2,000 people have been injured, and over 100,000 hectares of farmland have been destroyed, according to the latest figures from NEMA. The scale of the disaster underscores the urgent need for improved flood management and response strategies to mitigate the impacts of such extreme weather events.
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