Two Killed, 18 Communities Sacked In Nasarawa Flood Disaster

Two persons have died and 18 communities sacked in a devastating flood that submerged parts of Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Nawani Aboki, confirmed the casualty figure on Monday in Lafia, describing the flood as “far beyond normal seasonal flooding.”

The disaster, which has triggered a humanitarian crisis, left hundreds displaced, destroyed buildings and submerged vast farmlands.

Officials from the State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) had initially reported 11 affected communities and over 5,000 displaced persons. The Commissioner said seven additional communities were discovered during an on-the-spot assessment.

He said Governor Abdullahi Sule has directed NASEMA to conduct a comprehensive tour of the affected areas and submit a report for immediate government action.

“The Governor sent the Executive Secretary of the humanitarian agency to visit all the communities. He is working on a report. We hope government will take concrete action this week,” Aboki said.

The state is mobilising relief materials to support victims and prevent disease outbreaks.

Aboki warned displaced residents against returning home, as water levels are yet to recede and more water could be released from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

He urged residents of lowlands and flood-prone areas to heed repeated warnings from the state government, NEMA and NiMET to relocate to higher ground.

“We’ve asked them not to go back yet. If they hurry, it will be worse than it is currently,” he warned.