Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning that fatalities from severe flooding are likely to rise in September and October, the peak of the rainy season. Already, the floods have claimed more than 170 lives and displaced approximately 205,000 people across 28 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
The most affected regions include Bauchi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, and Jigawa states. The flooding, driven by unprecedented rainfall and rising levels in the Niger and Benue rivers, continues to worsen, with concerns about further severe weather.
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Ezekiel Manzo, NEMA spokesperson, highlighted the ongoing challenges, stating, “We are currently addressing multiple flooding incidents. The situation is expected to persist as we approach the peak of the rainy season. Reports indicate rising water levels in the River Benue and River Niger, which will likely lead to increased flooding.”
The floods have devastated thousands of hectares of farmland, exacerbating an already dire food security situation compounded by widespread insecurity. Authorities are actively working to evacuate residents from flood-prone areas and provide relief to those affected.
In Jigawa state, efforts are underway to build embankments to mitigate the flooding’s impact. Governor Umar Namadi mentioned the financial strain caused by the disaster, noting, “Significant government resources are being redirected to address the flooding, impacting other areas of revenue and incurring additional costs.”
The 2024 Global Report on Food Crises recently ranked Nigeria as having the second-highest number of hungry people globally. Nigeria’s minister of state for agriculture indicated that up to 51 percent of farming areas are vulnerable to flooding this year. Meanwhile, NEMA emphasizes the urgent need for residents to move to safer locations as compensation efforts for affected farmers continue.
