Floods Devastate Nigeria, Causing Deaths and Food Shortages

Floods Devastate Nigeria, Causing Deaths and Food Shortages

Recent floods in Nigeria have resulted in nearly 200 deaths and displaced over 200,000 people, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The disaster has affected 28 out of Nigeria’s 36 states, with significant damage reported in the northern region, which is crucial for the country’s agriculture.

The floods have been attributed to poor infrastructure and poorly maintained dams. Unlike previous years, the current flooding is not primarily due to heavy rainfall but rather due to human activities, including improper waste disposal and unregulated construction along waterways. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has noted that this year’s flooding is more linked to these human-induced factors rather than extreme weather conditions.

The situation is dire, with predictions suggesting that the floods could worsen as waters continue to move southward. NEMA has urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately to avoid further casualties. The worst-hit state, Jigawa, has already reported 37 deaths. In response, local authorities are repurposing public buildings and schools as shelters for displaced individuals.

The floods have severely impacted agriculture, destroying 107,000 hectares of farmland, primarily in northern states where much of Nigeria’s crops are grown. This destruction exacerbates the country’s existing food insecurity issues. Nigeria already has one of the highest rates of hunger globally, with around 32 million people facing acute food shortages.

In the Gummi council area of Zamfara state, resident Abdullahi Gummi reported significant personal loss, stating that the floods destroyed his family’s farmland, which had cost them approximately 300,000 naira ($188) to cultivate. This devastation highlights the growing challenges of food security in a nation already grappling with economic hardships and violent conflicts.

Source: Africa News