The government of Nigeria has warned state and local government areas to prepare for further flooding that could last until the end of November.
Meanwhile flooding in the country, which has affected 27 states since February this year, has worsened and the number of fatalities and displacements has increased dramatically over the last week.
In a press conference on 16 October 2022, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq, reported that 603 people have now died in floods in the country since February this year.
A total of 1,302,589 people have been displaced, 2,504.095 people have been affected, 2,407 people have been injured, a total of 82,053 houses have been completely damaged and 121,318 partially damaged. Furthermore 108,392 hectares of farmland have been damaged and 332,327 hectares destroyed, along with many roads and other critical infrastructure.
Flooding is expected to continue until the end of November, the minister said.
The Minister warned state governments, local government areas and community leaders of the impending floods in the coming weeks, especially in Anambra, Delta, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa states. She called on state governments to begin evacuation of persons living along water channels and other areas obstructing the flow of water.
The minister said, “While we mourn the unfortunate boat mishap in Anambra State and other locations, please we must note that we are not completely out of the woods because the Metrological Agencies are warning that States like Anambra, Delta, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa are still at risk of experiencing floods up till the end of November.
“We are calling on the respective State Governments, Local Government Councils and Communities to prepare for more flooding by evacuating people living on flood plains to high grounds, provide tents and relief materials, fresh water as well as medical supplies for a possible outbreak of water-borne diseases”.
