In a report released by the Nigerian government, it was revealed that the country’s recurrent flood crisis has already resulted in the displacement of 7,353 individuals, 75 injuries, and 5 deaths in 2023. The devastating floods have affected approximately 33,983 people across 10 states.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) noted that 866 hectares of farmland have been obliterated, with 1,679 houses damaged due to the floods. These statistics were disclosed by NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Hajiya Fatima Kasim, during a press conference in Abuja.
Kasim attributed the recurring floods to several factors including flawed infrastructure design and construction, ineffective drainage systems, poor waste management, and destructive land-use practices like deforestation.
In light of the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction by NiMet, which forecasts normal to above-normal rainfall for Nigeria, NEMA anticipates high flood risks in 178 local government areas across 32 states and FCT.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mr Mustapha Ahmed, emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing disaster management through the Emergency Coordination Forum.
An assessment exercise carried out by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in collaboration with NEMA and UNDP, revealed the socio-economic ramifications of the floods. The Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of NBS, Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, noted that the impact on agriculture and properties was significant.
Earlier this year, NEMA had warned Nigerians to brace for severe flooding in 2023 based on predictions from NiMet and NIHSA. The agency pledged to disseminate early warning messages to states, Local Government Areas, and the Federal Capital Territory.
SOURCE: BB Network
IMAGE: Nairametrics
