The Federal Government has revealed that no fewer than 21 local government areas in 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been submerged by flood due to torrential rainfall in the past few days, according to Vanguard. This unexpected and severe weather has caused widespread devastation, affecting thousands of residents and leading to significant property damage.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the states impacted include Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Edo, Delta, Benue, Anambra, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Lagos. The floodwaters have disrupted daily life, displacing numerous families and cutting off vital infrastructure. In the FCT, areas such as Gwagwalada and Bwari have been particularly hard-hit, with residents struggling to navigate the inundated streets.
Officials from NEMA have been on the ground assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts. The Director-General of NEMA, Mustapha Habib Ahmed, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that immediate action is needed to provide shelter, food, and medical care to those affected. "We are working tirelessly to ensure that help reaches the affected communities as quickly as possible," Ahmed said.
In response to the disaster, the Federal Government has activated various emergency response mechanisms, including the deployment of rescue teams and the establishment of temporary shelters. Additionally, state governments have been urged to enhance their disaster preparedness and response plans to mitigate the impact of future floods.
Environmental experts attribute the severe flooding to a combination of climate change and inadequate drainage systems in many urban areas. They warn that without significant improvements in infrastructure and proactive measures to address climate change, such events are likely to become more frequent.
Residents in the affected areas have expressed their frustration and fear, with many calling for more robust government action to prevent future occurrences. "We are appealing to the government to take necessary steps to address this recurring issue," said a resident of Gwagwalada. "Our lives and properties are at risk."
As the nation grapples with this crisis, the focus remains on providing immediate relief to the victims and developing long-term strategies to combat the increasing threat of flooding.