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NIGERIA-FLOOD-EMERGENCY
100 die in severe flooding in Nigeria: relief agency
LOKOJA, Nigeria, Sept 18, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Nigeria has declared a national
disaster after severe flooding left about 100 people dead across 10 states,
the country’s main relief agency said on Tuesday.
Heavy seasonal rains have caused the Niger and Benue rivers to burst their
banks, inundating communities, farms and trapping tens of thousands of people
in their homes.
Sani Datti, from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), told
AFP: “We have declared a national disaster in four states — Kogi, Delta,
Anambra and Niger.
“Eight other states are on the watch list. All these states have been the
worst hit by the flooding. About 100 people have lost their lives in 10
states.”
Kogi and Niger are in central Nigeria while Delta and Anambra are in the
south.
The Kogi state capital, Lokoja, lies at the confluence of both rivers and
has been virtually submerged because of the rising waters.
NEMA said water levels on Monday were continuing to rise in Lokoja and had
reached 11.06 metres (36 feet) — approaching those of similar devastating
flooding in 2012.
Then, hundreds of people died and about two million others were left
homeless in 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
More rains are forecast on Tuesday, according to the Nigerian
Meteorological Agency.
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari said on Monday he had approved the
release of three billion naira ($8.3 million, 7.1 million euros) to buy
medical and relief materials.
Flooding along the rivers is a frequent occurrence during the annual
rains, which fall from May to September.
Datti said military personnel and equipment had been seconded to help the
relief effort, as well as the evacuation of trapped residents from their
homes.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1506 hrs