Niger State Reports 11 Persons Dead, Over 41,000 Displaced In Floods

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has reported that 11 individuals have died due to a devastating flood that has affected the region. The flood, which occurred on September 21, resulted in the destruction of 271 houses and 171 hectares of land across two local government areas (LGAs).

In a statement released on Thursday, Abdullahi Arah, the director-general of NSEMA, confirmed that 41,192 people across 19 LGAs have been impacted by the flooding. He noted that 6,865 households have been displaced and are currently residing in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

Among the deceased, five were from Mokwa LGA, two from Shiroro, two from Munya, and one each from Katcha and Rijau LGAs. The flooding has also severely damaged educational infrastructure, with 246 schools reported to be washed away, leading to accommodation challenges for pupils, students, and teachers.

The statement highlighted “We can also report that as of September this year, 18 bridges and 80 culverts have been destroyed by floods, causing communication problems for people in the affected areas.

“The state may also be facing serious food shortages because the flood has affected 118692 hectares of farmlands, some of which had crops ready for harvests. Over 1600 fish ponds were also washed.

“Niger state government has approved the immediate procurement of food and non items. NSEMA, in addition, has reached out to stakeholders, donor institutions, and international partners for interventions in favour of the affected persons.”

The LGAs affected by the disaster include Mokwa, Katcha, Lavun, Lapai, Agaie, Shiroro, Munya, Gbako, Kontagora, Bosso, Edati, Agwara, Magama, Bida, Mashegu, Borgu, Gurara, Suleja, and Rijau.

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