11 Killed, 529 Communities Affected In Niger Catastrophic Flooding

11 Killed, 529 Communities Affected In Niger Catastrophic Flooding

 

Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has reported a devastating toll from recent flooding in Niger State, with 11 individuals confirmed dead and 529 communities severely impacted.

During a press briefing, Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba Arah, provided a grim update on the widespread flood disasters affecting the region. “Tragically, we have lost 11 lives due to the floods—5 in Mokwa, 2 in both Shiroro and Munya, and 1 each in Katcha and Rijau local government areas,” he stated. He emphasized the scale of the disaster, noting that 19 out of the 25 local government areas in the state have been affected.

The impacted local government areas include Mokwa, Katcha, Lavun, Lapai, Agaie, Shiroro, Munya, Gbako, Kontagora, Bosso, Edati, Agwara, Magama, Bida, Mashegu, Borgu, Gurara, Suleja, and Rijau. The flooding has displaced approximately 41,192 individuals and affected 6,865 households across these regions. Currently, 34 communities have been forced to evacuate, seeking refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps established by the Niger State government, with some taking shelter in neighboring communities.

Additionally, the floods have devastated educational infrastructure, with 246 school buildings reported as destroyed, leading to significant challenges for both students and teachers. The destruction extends to critical transportation infrastructure, with 18 bridges and 80 culverts rendered unusable, complicating access for residents in affected areas.

Arah highlighted the severe agricultural impact, stating that the floods have ravaged 118,692 hectares of farmland—much of which was nearing harvest—as well as over 1,600 fish ponds, raising concerns about potential food shortages in the state.

The Director General assured the public that ongoing impact assessments are being conducted in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), with updates to be provided as developments unfold. He noted that the figures reported are subject to change as assessments continue.

In a bid to address the immediate needs of those affected, the Niger State Government has approved the urgent procurement of food and non-food items for displaced individuals. NSEMA is actively engaging with stakeholders, donor institutions, and international partners to secure further assistance for the impacted communities.

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for disaster preparedness and resilience in the face of climate-related challenges. The community’s strength and support will be crucial as Niger State navigates this difficult time.