Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), says no fewer than 361,000 people have been displaced by floods in the state as a result of recent heavy rains.
Mr Zachary Allumaga, Executive Secretary of NASEMA, told reporters in Lafia on Thursday that the flood had affected 23 communities across seven local government areas in the state.
He stated that there is a high likelihood that more than one million people will be displaced by floods in the state before the rainy season ends.
He added that the agency had sent a search and rescue team as well as officials to the affected areas and communities to conduct an immediate assessment.
Allumaga said that Nasarawa was among the states that the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMet) predicted to experience serious flooding in 2022, particularly in the month of September and October.
“Towards that effect, NASEMA with the authority of the governor started sensitising the people living at flood-prone areas like Nasarawa, Toto, Doma, Awe, Lafia, Obi, Karu and Akwanga.
“Five speed boats and live jackets were given to five LGAs along the coast of River Benue, unfortunately, flood has started ravaging in Lafia, Obi, Nasarawa, Toto, Awe, Doma and Karu with one death recorded,” he said.
According to Allumaga, efforts are been made to assist the displaced persons with some relief materials to cushion hardship they are currently facing as a result of the flood.
“We are making purchases of food items and non-food items such as grains, rice, beans, oils, mattresses, mats, blankets, toiletries, buckets, cups, food, children’s clothes, and mosquito nets among others for onward distribution to the affected persons,” Allumaga said.
He, however, appealed to the people living in the riverine areas to move to higher ground, adding that the rains would increase with the likelihood of more floods in the months of September and October.
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