NEMA: Nigerian Floods Affect Over One Million Citizens

This update was provided by NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, during a briefing at the National Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) in Abuja on Thursday. According to Umar, the flooding has displaced 625,239 people and resulted in the tragic loss of 259 lives.

Expressing her sympathy for the affected communities, Umar reassured the public that the Federal Government, through NEMA, is committed to providing all necessary assistance. She stated that the forum was convened to assess the current flood situation and delegate responsibilities to stakeholders, with the goal of minimizing the damage caused by future floods.

Highlighting the widespread nature of the disaster, she revealed that 29 states and 172 local government areas have been affected. To mitigate the impact, NEMA has established Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in some states and dispatched additional personnel to aid in search and rescue missions. The agency has also distributed water purification systems and essential rescue equipment to support ongoing operations.

Umar acknowledged the valuable contributions of international partners and encouraged their continued involvement in addressing the crisis. She emphasized that, while the situation is severe, the Nigerian government remains capable of managing the disaster effectively.

Additionally, NEMA’s Assistant Director of Search and Rescue, Wagami Madu, provided further details, reporting seven fatalities in Borno as of the previous Saturday. Madu highlighted challenges in Maiduguri, including a lack of adequate supplies and sanitation facilities due to overcrowding in the camps.

Mrs. Emmanuela Offiong, Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, underscored the importance of accurate reporting and communication during disaster management, warning against the spread of disinformation.