The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has expressed concern over the distressing impact of flooding during this year’s rainy season in various regions of the nation. The Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, Hajiya Fatima Kasim, revealed this information on Thursday at the Emergency Coordination Forum Meeting held in Abuja.
Kasim noted that flooding, which has unfortunately become a recurring issue in the country, can be attributed to a range of factors. These encompass improper construction practices, inadequate infrastructure design, deficient drainage systems, subpar management of solid waste, detrimental land-use practices such as deforestation, and the adverse effects of climate change.
In her presentation, Kasim referred to the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which anticipated normal to above-normal levels of rainfall across the nation. Moreover, the National Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had released an Annual Flood Outlook that identified 178 local government areas spanning 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory as high flood risk zones.
She highlighted that over the past seven months, NEMA had compiled data pertaining to the extent of flooding-related impact in the country. As of August 9, the following statistics had been assembled with regards to the 2023 flooding incidents:
Number of affected states: 10
Total affected individuals: 33,983
Individuals displaced: 7,353
Individuals injured: 75
Number of fatalities: 5
Homes completely damaged: 1,679
Agricultural land completely damaged: 866 hectares
The Director-General of NEMA, Mr. Mustapha Ahmed, stated that reviving the Emergency Coordination Forum meeting was crucial for prioritizing effective disaster management. He underscored the significance of this forum in bringing stakeholders together to address the humanitarian challenges arising from disasters and emergencies, fostering collaboration among entities involved in emergency management across the country.
At the event, Mr. Clement Nze, Director-General of NIHSA, reported that more than 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory had encountered varying degrees of flooding. He noted that this had led to casualties, submerged houses, and significant disruption. The flooding incidents were primarily attributed to the overflow of silted rivers, blocked drainage systems, and localized heavy rainfall, especially in urban areas and metropolises.
The Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Mr. Adeyemi Adeniran, highlighted the significant impact of flooding on agriculture and property. The NBS, in collaboration with NEMA and UNDP, conducted a flood assessment exercise in six states (Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Jigawa, Kogi, and Nasarawa). The assessment revealed severe consequences on businesses, food supply, public health, and access to essential services. Jigawa state had the highest percentage of affected households at 90.7%. The assessment conclusively demonstrated the substantial adverse effects of flooding on agriculture and property.
