The Federal Government has disclosed that 500 people have died and over 1.4million persons affected as a result of the flooding that has occurred across the country. This was disclosed by Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, while giving updates on the recent flooding experienced in the country. Stating that it was early to estimate the economic loss since the impact is still being felt, Sani-Gwarzo revealed that the flood has so far wreaked havoc in 31 States of the Federation and the FCT. He further revealed that several farmlands and houses have been damaged due to the impact of the flooding. Sani-Gwarzo said the recently approved National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for Nigeria document by FEC will guide stakeholders in mitigating the impact of the flood. He stated that the displaced persons that have moved out of their location are up to 790,254, as he added that 1,546 persons that were displaced are injured.
According to him, “44,099 houses are partially damaged; 45,249 houses were totally damaged and 76,168 hectares of farmland are partially damaged while 70,566 hectares of farmland are completely destroyed by the great deluge.” On efforts to curb the impact, the PS said: “At this scale, we are taking every necessary action to bring relief to the people affected. “NEMA has so far provided relief support to over 315,000 displaced persons across the flood disaster hotspots where state capacities have been overwhelmed. “Many communities have been affected but there is still prediction that many more communities may be affected, especially along the line of River Benue, River Niger and down to the ocean.” He said the government is very much aware of what is happening and is prepared to reduce the impact, and also to make sure that places that have not been affected get some relief. He said: “The impact of the flood will be reduced to a minimum and more lives will be saved and we seek public support in ensuring that the damage is not further worsened. “We have come up with three approaches for the future.
One, is what are the immediate actions that will be taken by the respective agencies. What are the short terms measures that would be taken by the agencies responsible and then long-term actions?” “Fortunately for us, the National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for Nigeria has just been approved by the Federal Executive Council and it contains all the details of the roadmap. We are very clear on what to do, and we have a book that will guide us. The document will be put to good use by the agencies.” Speaking on the economic loss, he said: “When an event is evolving, you do not have a complete analysis of what has been damaged. However, damage and loss assessment for farmlands, poultry facilities, livestock and fisheries as a result of the large-scale inundation is ongoing. The estimate will come in later but at least, we know what has been damaged.”
