People are trapped by flooding following days of torrential downpour in Kogi, Nigeria, on October 6.
Fatai Campbell / AP
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Fatai Campbell / AP
People are trapped by flooding following days of torrential downpour in Kogi, Nigeria, on October 6.
Fatai Campbell / AP
More than 600 people have died in the worst flooding Nigeria has seen in more than a decade, according to the nation’s humanitarian department.
Nigeria’s Minister of Humanities and Disaster Management Sadiya Umar Farouq said that as of Sunday 603 people had died, 2,407 were injured and 1.3 million people had been displaced.
In addition, about 82,000 houses were completely destroyed, 108,000 hectares of farmland damaged (causing concern about Nigeria’s food supply) along with 332,000 hectares of roads and infrastructure, Farouq said.
“My sympathies and condolences go to the Governors of State and those affected by the unprecedented flooding of our beloved country. At times like these, we gather to show our support. each other”. Farouq tweeted. “I have to commend the Local Communities; who often act as first responders for supporting relatives, neighbors and friends.”
My sympathies and condolences to the State Governments and the people affected by the unprecedented flood in our beloved country. At times like these, we come together to support each other. I must commend the Local Communities; who often acts as a first responder to provide support to a loved one,
– Sadiya Umar Farouq (@Sadiya_farouq) October 14, 2022
Farouq urged leaders in southern states along the coast to evacuate people living along aqueducts and other areas that could block the flow of water.
She said some states were not fully prepared for flooding, despite being forecasted in advance.
“While we don’t blame allocation, we need to acknowledge the fact that we all had enough warning and our advocacy was timely,” she said.
Farouq added that local communities must take climate projections seriously.
The country has implemented a national response plan for all state and local governments, and provides food and supplies to the states.
