The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has shared some sad news. A total of 11 people have died because of big floods in five areas of the state.
They said five people died in Mokwa area, two people each in Shiroro and Munya areas, and one person each in Katcha and Rijau areas.
NSEMA, along with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) from Minna Operations Office, put out a statement. This statement was signed by Abdullahi Baba Arah, the Director General of NSEMA. They said that the floods have affected 529 communities in 19 out of the 25 local government areas in the state.
The affected areas include Mokwa, Katcha, Lavun, Lapai, Agaie, Shiroro, Munya, Gbako, Kontagora, Bosso, Edati, Agwara, Magama, Bida, Mashegu, Borgu, Gurara, Suleja, and Rijau.
Arah explained that a total of 41,192 people and 6,865 households have been affected by the floods.
“About 34 communities have been displaced and are now in camps set up by the Niger State Government, with most of them staying with nearby communities.
“In addition, 246 school buildings have been damaged, which is causing problems for students and teachers to find places to learn and teach.
“We can also say that as of September this year, 18 bridges and 80 culverts have been destroyed because of the floods. This is making it hard for people to communicate and travel in the affected areas,” he added.
The Director General also said that the state may face serious food shortages because the floods have damaged about 118,692 hectares of farmlands, some of which had crops ready to be harvested. “Over 1,600 fish ponds have also been washed away,” he added.
The statement also mentioned, “According to weather predictions, we are expecting more rains, which means more flooding could happen. This is why we need to stay alert, especially because the dams are overflowing and waterways are blocked with trash.”
In addition, the Niger State Government has approved the immediate purchase of food and other items to help the affected people in the various areas.
