The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that the current flooding trend has impacted 29 states and 172 local government areas, affecting 1,048,312 people, displacing 625,239 individuals, and resulting in 259 deaths across the country.
In an update during the National Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) meeting on Thursday, NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar shared these statistics. The meeting aimed to review strategies and reassign responsibilities in light of the current disaster patterns, including the ongoing search and rescue operation in Borno State.
Umar noted that, aside from the severity of the Borno State situation—due to the Alau Dam spillway collapse—the flooding patterns align with the predictions in this year’s Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). According to NIHSA, from July to September 2024, 33 states and 135 LGAs are within high-risk flood zones, with 19 states and 44 LGAs predicted to be at risk between October and November.
Speaking about the Maiduguri flood, the NEMA DG praised Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, his administration, and the State Emergency Management for their swift response, including rescue efforts and the activation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps for affected residents.
She added that NEMA and other agencies are currently providing nationwide assistance to affected states.
She said, “Our ongoing intervention across the affected states include deployment of additional personnel to support Search and Rescue operations; distribution of water purification and critical search and Rescue equipment; provision of food and non-food items to support the affected persons and the rehabilitation of displaced populations.
“Through our agency, NEMA, the Federal Government commiserates with those that have been affected by the flood disaster and assures them that necessary succour will sustainably be provided.
“We appreciate the support of our humanitarian partners and look forward to the sustained collaborative efforts of all stakeholders to ameliorate the suffering of affected people and also mitigate the impact of the flooding incidents across the country.”