Devastating Floods Displace Over 300 Communities, Affect 5 Million in Niger

By Newsroom

Administrator

Newsroom

Posted: October 2, 2024 at 1:44 pm, Updated: October 2, 2024 at 1:44 pm

Key Points

Over 300 communities in Mokwa, Niger State, have been displaced by severe floods, leaving five million people homeless, primarily women and children seeking refuge in schools turned IDP camps.
The floods have submerged homes and infrastructure, destroyed farmlands, and compromised access to clean water, raising concerns about waterborne diseases and food security.
Local government authorities are overwhelmed and calling for urgent assistance, as residents face growing challenges, including economic hardships worsened by rising fuel prices.

Devastating Floods Displace Over 300 Communities, Affect 5 Million in Niger

Severe flooding has displaced more than 300 communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, North Central Nigeria, leaving an estimated five million people homeless.

Women and children are seeking refuge in upland areas, turning schools into makeshift camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). However, they now face a critical shortage of clean water.

During a recent tour, Channels Television visited the affected areas of Jifu and Muregi, situated at the confluence of the Niger and Kaduna rivers. These communities have been severely impacted, with homes and vital infrastructure submerged.

While schools remain open in other parts of Niger State, children in these flooded areas are missing weeks of classes, potentially delaying their education for over a month.

The well-being of women and children is particularly concerning, as healthcare facilities are inaccessible, and clean water sources have been compromised. The floods have swept away personal and domestic waste, further increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. One flood victim, Aishatu Yaya, expressed frustration, noting that government aid often does not reach those most in need.

Farmlands have also been destroyed, leaving farmers in a difficult position and raising alarms about the impact on Nigeria’s food security. Audu Yaware, a farmer and community leader in Jifu, voiced concerns about the economic challenges caused by rising fuel prices, which have worsened the situation for residents already struggling with the disaster.

Abdullahi Muregi, Chairman of Mokwa Local Government, confirmed that while no lives have been lost, properties and farmland have been severely damaged. He has called for immediate assistance, saying the local government is overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.

With no relief in sight, the affected communities continue to grapple with the consequences of the floods, calling for urgent attention to their plight.