Floods submerge 18 communities in Nasarawa

Two individuals have lost their lives and 18 communities have been devastated by flooding in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, according to Dr. Nawani Aboki, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism. Aboki described the disaster as far more severe than typical seasonal flooding. Initially, the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) reported that over 5,000 people were displaced across 11 affected communities.

However, a more detailed assessment revealed seven additional communities, increasing the total number of impacted communities to 18. Aboki emphasized that Governor Abdullahi Sule has instructed NASEMA to conduct a thorough examination of all affected areas and submit a report to inform the government's response. The governor has tasked the Executive Secretary of the humanitarian agency with visiting all communities and compiling a report.

Aboki anticipates that the government will take immediate action this week. Relief materials are being mobilized to aid flood victims and mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks in the affected regions. Aboki cautioned displaced residents against returning to their homes, citing the ongoing presence of floodwaters and potential exacerbation from further water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

He strongly urged residents of low-lying and flood-prone areas to heed evacuation warnings from the state government, NEMA, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), advising vulnerable residents to seek higher ground and remain in secure locations until the situation improves.