Niger Flood Death Toll Hits 151 as Northern Governors Mourn
The death toll from the Niger State floods has reached 151, with over 3,000 displaced. The Northern Governors’ Forum has called for urgent action. President Tinubu has sent a delegation to support recovery efforts, while NEMA conducts assessments. The Nasarawa State Government warns residents in flood-prone areas to relocate for safety.
The recent flooding in Niger State has turned devastating, with confirmed casualties now standing at 151. The Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities suffered the worst from torrential rainfall that struck late Wednesday. The floods have displaced over 3,000 individuals, according to the state’s Deputy Governor, Mr. Yakubu Garba. Reports indicate that at least 44 victims were buried last Friday, following the earlier interment of 31 others from the disaster.
Following the floods, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) assessed the damage and reported significant destruction. The floods have affected three communities, damaging essential infrastructure, including two bridges and multiple roads. NSEMA director general, Baba-Arah, shared alarming details: 151 bodies recovered, 11 individuals injured, and 265 homes either washed away or damaged, leaving 503 households affected.
In the wake of this crisis, the Northern Governors’ Forum expressed profound condolences for the victims. Chaired by Gombe State’s Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, the forum called this disaster a national tragedy demanding swift, coordinated relief efforts. The governor emphasized the heartbreak caused by the calamity and praised the Niger State Government’s immediate actions to provide assistance amidst the chaos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken significant steps in response to the flood. A high-level delegation led by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, was dispatched to Niger State. Their visit involved delivering condolences from Tinubu to those affected in Mokwa. Idris mentioned that the President had commanded the deployment of all necessary federal resources toward aiding the relief efforts, stating, “Mr. President is personally saddened by this.”
Furthermore, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has begun an assessment to facilitate immediate support for the flood victims in coordination with local authorities. Plans are underway to recover bodies and ensure that aid reaches those in need efficiently. Idris also highlighted the need for increased public sensitization about disaster preparedness, which is crucial in mitigating future incidents of this nature.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Government has issued warnings to residents in flood-prone areas. They are advising these individuals to relocate to higher grounds immediately to prevent loss of life as the rainy season progresses. This directive comes after monitoring ongoing clean-up efforts that reveal an imminent risk of flooding.
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Margaret Elayo, emphasized the importance of immediate action and raised concerns about littering in drains, which exacerbates flooding. Elayo expressed dissatisfaction with residents’ compliance regarding sanitation efforts and asserted that a clean environment is key to preventing disease outbreaks. Promising to improve cleanliness in the state, she appealed to the public to seek safety and heed the relocation directive ahead of significant rainfall.
The flooding in Niger State has tragically resulted in a rising death toll of 151 and has displaced over 3,000 individuals. The Northern Governors’ Forum and the Federal Government are responding to the crisis by mobilizing resources and support. Ongoing assessments by NEMA are crucial in providing immediate relief. Additionally, the Nasarawa State Government urges vulnerable communities to relocate to safer areas ahead of the rainy season to avoid similar tragedies.
Original Source: punchng.com
