- Rising Death Toll and Displacement: Severe flooding in Nigeria has claimed 179 lives and displaced around 200,000 people, with northern regions being the hardest hit so far.
- Worsening Conditions Expected: Experts warn that central and southern Nigeria could face even more severe flooding as rising water levels from the north flow downward.
- Impact on Farmland and Communities: The floods have devastated 107,600 hectares of farmland, particularly affecting communities along the Niger and Benue rivers, as the country braces for continued heavy rains.
Death Toll Soars to 179 as Severe Flooding Displaces 200,000 in Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria – Emergency officials in Nigeria are raising alarms as heavy rains continue to unleash devastating floods, claiming 179 lives and displacing around 200,000 people across the country.
The majority of deaths have occurred in northern Nigeria, but experts warn that the central and southern regions could face even more severe impacts as the rains persist.
NEMA spokesperson Ezekiel Manzo highlighted the escalating threat on Thursday, cautioning that rising water levels from the north could exacerbate flooding in other regions.
“The collection of water from the northern part flowing downward will also mean that the situation in central and southern parts of the country will become worse,” Manzo told the press.
So far, the floods have ravaged 107,600 hectares (265,885 acres) of farmland, according to data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Communities along the Niger and Benue rivers are particularly vulnerable, with some areas experiencing flooding for the first time.
Flooding is not new to Nigeria, often driven by intense rainfall and inadequate infrastructure.
In 2012, more than 360 people lost their lives, and over 2.1 million were displaced. The country faced its worst flooding in a decade in 2022, with over 500 fatalities and 1.4 million displaced.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured the nation on Wednesday that authorities are issuing early warnings to minimise the impact of these environmental disasters.
NEMA officials are also putting plans in place to prevent further casualties.
“We don’t have time to waste any longer so people will not be caught unaware,” Manzo emphasized.
As the rains continue, Nigeria faces an increasingly urgent battle against these life-threatening floods.
