630 Nigerians have died, 1.3 million displaced, and 2,407 persons injured in the current flooding that has affected 2.5 million persons as a result of Cameroonian authorities releasing water from their Lagdo Dam.
In addition, about 121,318 houses were partially damaged, 82,053 houses were totally damaged, 108,392 hectares of farmlands were partially damaged and 332,327 hectares of farmlands were totally damaged.
The discouraging figures were given by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, in Abuja on the same Sunday President Muhammadu Buhari blamed buildings on water channels, disregard for early warning by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the changes to weather caused by climate change as chiefly to blame for the floods that have so far hit 33 of the nation’s 36 states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory which has not been spared either.
He expressed sadness at the devastation caused by floods in Bayelsa State.
He extended the nation’s condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by this natural disaster.
According to released reports by the State Government, 700,000 persons have been displaced in about 300 communities and villages in five of the State’s eight local government areas that were submerged in water due to rains causing the floods.
Photos had emerged on social media showing Senator Duoye Diri’s home almost completely submerged in flood waters.
While the authorities in the State are taking steps to help people hit by the floods, the President has directed that all federal agencies dealing with rescue and disaster management offer all needed assistance to Bayelsa, according a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Garba Shehu.
The President also directed all concerned to work for the restoration of normalcy throughout the affected parts of the federation.
Disclosing plans by government to meet with its Cameroonian counterpart over the release of water from Lagdo Dam she, however called on state governments to put more efforts on the evacuation of flood victims to higher grounds, adding “while we mourn the unfortunate boat mishap in Anambra and other locations, please, we must note that we are not completely out of the woods.”
She says that the Meteorological Agencies are warning that States like Anambra, Delta, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa are still at the risk of experiencing floods up till end of November.
“So, we are calling on the respective State Governments, LGAs and Communities to prepare by evacuating people living on flood plains to high grounds, providing tents and relief materials, fresh water as well as medical supply for possible outbreak of water borne disease”.
According to her, on Feb. 15, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) released the 2022 Seasonal Climate Prediction informing Nigerians that the rains of 2022 will be heavier and longer.
She also states that on May 12, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency released the Annual Flood Outlook.
Her words: “Immediately after these two releases, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was all out in the media and went to all States and FCT.
“NEMA warned of expected floods and advised on mitigating and preparedness actions needed to take to minimize losses and damages.
“I also briefed the National Economic Council on Sep.22, where I outlined preparedness strategies that all State Governments should take to mitigate the 2022 floods.
“I have laid this background so that you will appreciate the concern of this Ministry, that despite all these efforts, we still appear to have become overwhelmed by the flood when it came.
“However, we must initiate a bilateral discussion with authorities in Cameroon in November on the periodic opening of the Lagdo dam.
“The delegation to Cameroon is to be led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be requested to facilitate the meeting.”
According to her, there was enough warning and information about the 2022 flood but States, Local Governments and Communities appeared not to take heed.
“There is the need for State Governments to invest in flood management and lead on community based flood early warning systems; hence we called on State Governments to take greater responsibilities for flood preparedness and response.
“We are calling on the respective State Governments, LGAs and Communities to prepare by evacuating people living on flood plains to high grounds, providing tents and relief materials, fresh water as well as medical supply for possible outbreak of water borne disease”.
