Diary of the Benue Flood 1

 
 
Situation Report as at Monday, September 4, 2017
SUMMARY
The Benue Flood became evident by Monday, August 28, 2017 and has affected about 110, 000 persons across 12 LGAs, according to Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA). In Makurdi about 2,769 households are reported to have been affected.
Specific locations affected across Makurdi include: Achusa, Idye (Idye-Nenger, Idye-Hyundu, Idye- Naor, Idye-Ibi, Idye-Dogo), Wurukum Market, Genabe, Industrial Layout, Demekpe, Wadata Market, Katungu, behind the Civil Service Commission (Radio Benue), Nyiman (BIPC Quarters Extension) Agboughul-Wadata, New-Kanshio Layout, Wurukum Market, Gyado Villa, and some unconfirmed locations.
Elsewhere, the flood is reported to have affected Buruku, Gwer West, Gwer East, Katsina Ala, Okpokwu, Logo, Agatu, Guma, Tarka, Konshisha, and Kwande.
In Gwer West, communities across Makyoondo namely Tse-Agberagba, Tse-Gaase, Tse-Kyor Kpev, and Tse Anyon have been affected. At Mabpupuu Tse-Gabiin is affected, mainly houses and farms are reported to have been washed away.
In Buruku, Agyo, Dogo, Baja, and Buruku town are affected. In Gwer East, Ikpayongo and Aliade have been affected. In Katsina Ala, Hausa Quarters and communities along Zaki Biam Road are said to be affected, while in Okpokwu Ugbokolo town is affected, particularly the location known as Jericho
Detailed information about impact on the other listed LGAs is still being expected.
Affected Households
18,334
Deaths
3 (2 adults, 1 child)
People displaced
110,000
People Missing
Nil
Children affected
Male:1387
Female: 1349
Children  aged  0-5  years: male and female number 585
CAUSE OF DISASTER
Probable causes of the disaster have been identified. They include:
•    Ineffective and fractured drainage system
•    Unusual downpour lasting 4 days consecutively
•    Run-off sand and abuse of drainage (indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainages)
IMPACT/EXPECTED IMPACT
1.   Women are significantly burdened with having to provide care and support to family members. In Makurdi 21 houses are found to have collapsed completely or partially at Idye area, while 4 houses collapsed at New Kanshio. Across several locations whole farmlands, not less than 250, have been eroded. People are suffering from loss of livelihoods and having to care for ailing children and other family members.
2.   Affected  children  run  the  risk  of  losing  schooling  opportunities  as  schools  are  flooded.
Malnutrition, especially among children is a real expected danger as many children may also be exposed to infections and diseases.
3.   At the Government approved IDP Camp up to 4 families are reported to be accommodated in one room. This suggests the possible risk of epidemic as some hospitals in affected locations are reported to have shut down due to the flood.
4.   Family livelihoods are at significant risk.  Some families engaged in exclusively agricultural pursuits who are caught in the emergency have lost their crops, their houses having also been swept away. Some petty trading businesses have closed down, which suggests harder times for the affected families.
5.  Particularly vulnerable  groups  include  nursing mothers,  pregnant  women,  children  0-5  years, children with disabilities, children with ailments, and the elderly
CURRENT OUTLOOK
There is strong likelihood of the situation getting worse as we are only beginning to experience the peak of the rainy season. There is also the possibility of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroun being released.  The  basis  of  this  analysis  is  reconnaissance  by  professional  civil  society  actors  and statements by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.