Breaking: 18-States On Red Alert As Flood Kills 15, Displaces Over 16,000-Nigerians In One Week (Full-Details)

Breaking: 18-States On Red Alert As Flood Kills 15, Displaces Over 16,000-Nigerians In One Week (Full-Details)

No fewer than 15 lives have been lost and over 16,000 Nigerians displaced within the past week due to severe flooding across the country, prompting the federal government to place 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory on red alert.

The tragic situation has seen widespread destruction of properties, including homes, vehicles, and other valuables, in various affected areas.

In Abuja, the popular Trademore Estate was submerged after heavy rainfall, claiming the lives of two residents and causing extensive damage to houses and cars. Similarly, Yobe State reported heavy casualties with about 30 communities devastated by flooding, resulting in the loss of nine lives.

The Lagos State scenario was particularly dire, as unexpected rainfall paralyzed economic activities and led to the displacement of thousands of residents in areas like Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and Awoyaya. Tragically, incidents included the reported death of a primary school pupil swept away in Ikosi-Ketu and the rescue of seven individuals from a collapsed building in Mushin.

Expressing concern, stakeholders criticized both federal and state governments for their alleged failure to implement proactive measures despite previous warnings and recurring flooding incidents in the country. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a former Lagos State governorship candidate, lamented the lack of emergency response during such crises.

In response, Emmanuel Onwubiko of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria urged authorities to prioritize proactive measures, including relocation of vulnerable communities and establishment of rescue camps.

Dr. Gabriel Ajeh, an environmentalist, attributed the root causes of flooding to poor urban planning, deforestation, and inadequate infrastructure development. He emphasized the urgent need for sustainable urbanization and environmental conservation efforts to mitigate future disasters.

The federal government, through the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has placed 18 states and the FCT on high alert, anticipating further river flooding from major water bodies like the Niger and Benue rivers starting late July.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of these devastating floods, the call for robust disaster management strategies and community resilience remains paramount to safeguarding lives and livelihoods across Nigeria.