Nigeria has declared a 'national disaster' following severe floods that have left at least 100 people dead in several states across the country, officials say.
Thousands of people have been displaced following weeks of heavy rainfall in some central and southern states, the country's emergency response agency, NEMA said Tuesday.
Nigeria's two major rivers have burst their banks sweeping away homes in the central part of the country.
The agency warned the situation could worsen as water levels continue to rise in Lokoja capital of Kogi State, which lies at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers and is often one of the most affected states during the rainy season.
Five emergency operation centers have been created to coordinate search and rescue operations, while also providing humanitarian support for those displaced by the floods, Sani Datti, a spokesman for NEMA said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved $8.2 million "for the procurement of medical and relief materials" to help flooding victims, he said.
However, climate change and poor town and housing planning have worsened the situation this year, Datti told CNN.
NEMA has advised residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate their homes.
Thousands of people have been displaced following weeks of heavy rainfall in some central and southern states, the country's emergency response agency, NEMA said Tuesday.
Nigeria's two major rivers have burst their banks sweeping away homes in the central part of the country.
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| Residents steer a dugout canoe past flooded houses in Lokoja capital of Kogi State on September 14, 2018. |
Five emergency operation centers have been created to coordinate search and rescue operations, while also providing humanitarian support for those displaced by the floods, Sani Datti, a spokesman for NEMA said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved $8.2 million "for the procurement of medical and relief materials" to help flooding victims, he said.
Nigeria's rainy season usually lasts from July to September, and the country suffers from flooding almost annually.I have approved 3 billion Naira for the procurement of medical and relief materials to meet the needs of victims of the flooding. NEMA is also providing me with regular updates on the situation.— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) September 16, 2018
However, climate change and poor town and housing planning have worsened the situation this year, Datti told CNN.
NEMA has advised residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate their homes.
(Source: CNN)“On behalf of the President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, @MBuhari, I, Engr. Mustapha Maihaja, Director-General of @nemanigeria, hereby declare National Disaster in the following States:— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) September 17, 2018
- Kogi
- Niger
- Anambra
- Delta.”
17/09/2018 pic.twitter.com/n8zCOquY55
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