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Climate change

Nigeria Faces Devastating Floods, Over 200 Deaths and Thousands Displaced

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The nation of Nigeria has been hit by a severe flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State, resulting in over 200 deaths, 1,000 people missing, and 2,000 homes destroyed. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, attributed the flood to heavy rainfall due to climate change and unregulated building activities that blocked waterways. This tragic event has been described as the worst flood in the area in 60 years, with thousands of residents affected and many displaced.

Key Takeaways:

  • The flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State, resulted in over 200 deaths, 1,000 people missing, and 2,000 homes destroyed, making it the worst flood in the area in 60 years.
  • The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, attributed the flood to heavy rainfall due to climate change and unregulated building activities that blocked waterways.
  • This disaster is part of a larger trend of flood disasters in Nigeria, with the Federal Government predicting heavy rains and flooding in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between April and November.
  • The high-flood risk states mentioned in the prediction include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the Federal Capital Territory.
  • The Minister also warned that coastal and riverine areas such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo will face additional challenges from rising sea levels and tidal surges, impacting fishing, wildlife habitation, and river navigation.
  • The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other related bodies should act early enough to put mitigating measures in place, and early warning alarm and enlightenment campaigns should be intensified.

Statistics:

  • Over 200 deaths and 1,000 people missing in the Mokwa flood disaster.
  • 2,000 homes destroyed in the flood.
  • Estimated 121 residents injured in the disaster.
  • 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas in 30 states and the FCT fall within the High Flood Risk Areas.
  • 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs in 36 states of the federation and the FCT fall within the Moderate Flood Risk Areas.
  • The Federal Government has approved N2 billion for rebuilding houses affected by the flood in Mokwa.

Sources:

  • The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev.
  • The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
  • The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
  • Vice President Kassim Shettima.

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