ABUJA, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 (CISA) – The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared ongoing floods in Kogi, Niger, Anambra, and Delta a national disaster.
The declaration was made Monday September 18, by head of the National Emergency Management Agency on behalf of President Buhari.
“On behalf of the Commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, I Engineer Muustapha Maihaja, the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency hereby declare national disaster in the following states: Kogi state, Niger state, Anambra state and delta state,” said Sani Datti, spokesperson of NEMA.
According to NEMA, the flooding has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced about 2 million others in 30 out of Nigeria’s 36 states.
“Other states will be under watch as the situation continues. May I further state and announce that National Emergency Management Center, the situation room domiciled at the NEMA headquarters and five territorial emergency centers have been activated and fully on ground for effective search and rescue operations,” he added.
Nigerian Meteorological Agency had earlier warned of floods due to the rising levels of water in Niger and Benue rivers.
The government subsequently allocated 3 Billion naira to cater for medical and relief support for persons affected by flooding in parts of the country.
