Over 200 lives lost, thousands displaced as NSEMA attributes Niger flooding to climate change
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has reported that the recent flooding in the state, which has resulted in over 200 deaths, is largely attributable to climate change and deforestation.
The disaster struck three communities in Mokwa LGA on May 29, leaving 3,018 people displaced and destroying three bridges.
Ibrahim Hussaini, acting director-general of NSEMA, described the flooding as unprecedented during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’.
He indicated that while there were forecasts of flooding for certain areas of Mokwa, Mokwa town itself was assumed to be safe, as it is not located near any major rivers or dams.
Hussaini stated, “I want to tell you that because of climate change, climate variability, and deforestation, areas that were never previously prone to flooding are now being flooded.” He emphasized that the scale and impact of the recent floods were not predicted.
The governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, has responded with proactive measures including the construction and rehabilitation of roads and the allocation of funds to inform residents about flood risks. However, Hussaini highlighted the emotional attachment many have to their ancestral homes, which complicates these efforts.
“Mokwa town itself is surrounded on all sides — north, south, east, and west — by at least 30 kilometres of land from any major river or tributary. No one anticipated that this kind of flooding could happen here,” he explained.
Historically, the region has only faced brief flash floods that would recede quickly, making the current situation all the more shocking. Hussaini reiterated that the Niger state government and SEMA do not wait for forecasts to act during such emergencies.
Source: TheCable
