Emergency Warning: 18 States Face Devastating Floods, Thousands Evacuated...CONTINUE READING
At least 15 people have reportedly lost their lives due to the widespread flooding that has plagued the country over the past week. Numerous properties, including houses, cars, and other valuables, have been destroyed by this devastating disaster.
On June 24, the popular Trademore Estate in Abuja was submerged following continuous heavy rainfall, resulting in the deaths of two residents. The flood, which overflowed the estate canal, not only damaged many houses but also swept away several cars.
In Yobe State, about 30 communities were ravaged by heavy downpours on July 1, leading to the deaths of nine people. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed that over 10,845 individuals across 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) — Yunusari, Nguru, Nangere, Gujba, Damaturu, Fika, Bade, Bursari, Yusufari, Geidam, Machina, and Karasuwa — were affected by the flooding.
On Wednesday, persistent rainfall caused unexpected flooding in many parts of Lagos State, restricting movements and crippling economic activities. Thousands of residents, particularly in Ibeju-Lekki and other strategic locations, were displaced. The worst affected areas included Epe, Eredo, Bogije, Labora, Abijon, Sangotedo, Awoyaya, and Ibeju-Lekki.
Tragically, a primary six pupil was reportedly swept away by the flood in the Ikosi-Ketu area of Lagos. Additionally, seven occupants, including a one-year-old baby girl, were rescued from a collapsed two-story building in Mushin following the heavy rain.
The Lagos State Police Command also confirmed that a 61-year-old man died after being electrocuted during the flood incident.
The frequent flooding incidents have sparked criticism from stakeholders who accuse the Federal and State governments of failing to take proactive measures.
In 2022, over 662 Nigerians lost their lives to floods, with 2,430,445 others displaced, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). In 2023, NEMA reported that 45 Nigerians died, and 171,545 were displaced due to widespread flooding.
Despite these warnings and previous incidents, Nigeria was once again caught unprepared in 2024. Reacting to the recent flooding in Lagos, former governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour criticized the Lagos State Government for its lack of proactive flood management.
In a television interview, he lamented the absence of emergency response and early warnings to avoid flood-prone routes.
Emmanuel Onwubiko, Head of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), echoed this sentiment, urging both Federal and State governments to take more proactive actions.
He emphasized that it is not enough to alert Nigerians of impending floods; the government must be ready for remediation and rescue operations when such disasters occur.
Onwubiko called for the evacuation of people from flood-prone areas and criticized the government’s lack of preparedness despite warnings of potential flooding in 31 states.