Flood kills two, ravages 18 communities in Nasarawa
Two individuals have died as a result of severe flooding that has devastated 18 communities in the Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Dr. Nawani Aboki, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, confirmed the fatalities on Monday in Lafia, categorizing the disaster as significantly more severe than typical seasonal flooding.
Initially, the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) reported that over 5,000 individuals were displaced across 11 affected communities. However, a subsequent assessment revealed seven additional communities impacted, raising the total number of affected areas to 18. The commissioner did not provide an updated figure for the displaced population based on the expanded assessment.
In response to the disaster, Governor Abdullahi Sule has directed NASEMA to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all affected regions. Aboki stated that the Executive Secretary of the agency has been tasked with visiting each community to prepare a detailed report, which is expected to guide the government’s response. “We hope the government will take concrete action this week,” Aboki remarked.
Additionally, the state government is working to mobilize relief supplies for flood victims and to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks in the impacted areas. Aboki cautioned residents who have been displaced not to return to their homes, as floodwaters remain high and the potential for further water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon could exacerbate the situation.
He urged residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to heed evacuation warnings from the state government as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The commissioner advised vulnerable individuals to seek higher ground and remain in safer locations until conditions improve.
