Niger Flood: Death Toll Hits 151 as Northern Governors Mourn

The floods in Niger State have led to 151 deaths and the displacement of over 3,000 residents. Northern Governors expressed sorrow and called for coordinated support. President Tinubu sent a high-level delegation to offer federal assistance. Meanwhile, Nasarawa State urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds amid rising risks from seasonal flooding.

The catastrophic flood that struck the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State has led to a sharp increase in the death toll, which now stands at 151. The severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall has displaced approximately 3,018 residents, with the situation escalating significantly in just a few days. Reports indicate that more than 100 lives were tragically lost during the flood’s initial impact on Wednesday night, according to Niger State’s Deputy Governor, Mr. Yakubu Garba.

Sunday PUNCH has indicated that Friday bore witness to the burial of at least 44 victims, after 31 others had been interred earlier in the week. Behind the scenes, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) reported on Saturday that the flood affected three communities, causing the collapse of two vital bridges. “The latest update from the Mokwa communities’ flood shows that 151 corpses have so far been recovered, while 11 persons were injured,” stated NSEMA’s Director General, Baba-Arah.

The Northern Governors’ Forum has expressed sincere condolences to all affected families, labeling the floods a national tragedy that calls for immediate attention. Chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, the forum described the overwhelming destruction as heartbreaking. In an official statement, Governor Yahaya urged government bodies and stakeholders to enhance their relief efforts to aid recovery for the impacted areas.

Recognizing the need for proactive measures, Governor Yahaya mentioned that this disaster underscores the increasing threat posed by climate change, suggesting that proactive flood management strategies are needed in Northern Nigeria.

In related developments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a delegation to Niger State to address this alarming disaster. The team is led by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information, along with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. They visited Deputy Governor Garba to convey the President’s condolences and show federal support. Idris conveyed that the President had ordered immediate federal assistance in response to the ongoing crisis.

“We are here on the directive of Mr. President, Bola Tinubu, to commiserate with you… Mr. President is personally saddened by this, and directed that every available resource of the Federal Government should be deployed to Mokwa,” Idris said during their visit.

The National Emergency Management Agency has commenced assessments in tandem with local authorities to provide necessary support, with a commitment to ensuring all displaced persons receive aid swiftly. Both Idris and Yilwatda highlighted ongoing efforts to elevate awareness of flood risks in vulnerable communities, urging them to prepare for future incidents.

As a preventive measure, the Nasarawa State Government has also issued a directive for residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground, in light of warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency on predicted flooding. Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Environment, made this announcement while monitoring a cleanliness drive.

Elayo pointed out the urgent need for residents to heed these warnings given the history of flooding in the region. She urged vulnerable individuals to secure their valuables and seek safe shelter ahead of potential flooding. The commissioner also called for community engagement, urging local leaders to assist those affected in finding safe relocation areas.

Moreover, Elayo warned against careless waste disposal, particularly in drainages, and vowed to improve public awareness campaigns to mitigate flooding risks in the future. She expressed her commitment to maintaining a clean environment as a means of disease prevention, ultimately striving to make Nasarawa one of the cleanest states in Nigeria.

The recent floods in Niger State have had a devastating impact, resulting in a rising death toll and mass displacement of residents. The Northern Governors’ Forum and President Tinubu have both responded with condolences and a commitment to provide assistance, reflecting the urgent need for disaster preparedness and intervention. Meanwhile, in Nasarawa State, proactive measures are being instituted to mitigate risk in vulnerable communities. As the region comes to terms with this tragic event, building sustainable flood management strategies becomes essential in preventing future catastrophes.

Original Source: punchng.com