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Tag: flooding

  • JNI urges proactive measures, support amid devastating flooding in Nigeria

    JNI urges proactive measures, support amid devastating flooding in Nigeria

    Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has expressed deep concern over the devastating flooding that has ravaged several states in Nigeria, leading to significant loss of lives and property.

    It however expressed condolences to all those affected by the disaster, while calling for urgent humanitarian assistance and proactive measures to prevent future disasters.

    In a statement issued by the JNI Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the organisation expressed shock over the gravity of the recent flooding, particularly highlighting the catastrophic floods in Maiduguri caused by the Alau Dam breach.

    According to the statement, “The floods have claimed thousands of lives and left many more injured and displaced, while also causing widespread destruction in states such as Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano, and several others.”

    JNI extended its sympathies to the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi and all affected Emirates, offering prayers for the victims and their families. JNI also prayed for the quick recovery of those injured and displaced, and for the immediate restoration of livelihoods disrupted by the disaster.

    Prof. Aliyu called on well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists, and humanitarian organizations to provide both financial and material support to those affected by the disaster. Donations can be made to the Borno State Flood Disaster Relief Account with Zenith Bank, Account Number 1313556361, emphasizing that all contributions would help alleviate the suffering of the flood victims and aid in rebuilding their communities.

    The Apex Islamic body in Northern Nigeria also urged the Federal Government to take proactive measures, such as reinforcing dams and implementing flood control systems, to prevent such large-scale destruction in the future.

    Read Also: Flooding : FG puts Niger Delta, Southern states on alert

    “The government must prioritize the construction and reinforcement of life-threatening dams, establish early warning systems, and publicize flood-prone zones for the safety of citizens,” Prof. Aliyu stressed.

    The organisation encouraged local communities to remain vigilant during the rainy season, heed weather warnings, and cooperate with authorities to ensure timely evacuation when necessary. “We must prioritize safety above all else, and take early signs of danger seriously to avoid further tragedy,” Prof. Aliyu added.

    JNI reaffirmed its commitment to continue offering support, prayers, and advocacy for the well-being of the Nigerian populace. “With compassion, unity, and proactive governance, we can rebuild stronger communities and emerge more resilient from this disaster,” Prof. Aliyu said.

  • Be proactive on flooding, says group

    Be proactive on flooding, says group

    Christian Conscience, an NGO, has urged Federal Government to to avoid a repeat of Borno flood.

    In a statement by its Chairman, Mrs Yetunde Akinluyi and National General Secretary, Revd. Kolawole Verrals, the group said government should be proactive following the  flooding and collapse of the dam.

    It warned  that Nigeria may be faced with food shortage in coming months because of flooding and insecurity affecting farmers if no intervention is made.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Ogoni, Oyigbo leaders meet, plan Fubara’s replacement in 2027

    The group added  quick measures should be taken to prevent more damage in this  rainy season.

    It noted these dams were built years ago based on prevailing terrain and locations, stressing climate change and population have changed the narrative. He said upgrade or new dams are needed.

    The group commiserates with the government, and prayed for end to the flooding. It sought succour to those who suffered loss of their loved ones and property.

  • Flooding : FG puts Niger Delta, Southern states on alert

    Flooding : FG puts Niger Delta, Southern states on alert

    ‘Borno floods caused by climate change

    Sani Onogu,Abuja

    The Federal Government has warned  Niger Delta and other southern states to brace up for possible flooding.

    Water Resources and Sanitation Minister, Prof. Joseph Utsev gave the warning yesterday and advised governments and people in those states to activate emergency measures to mitigate the impact.

    The minister  attributed the recent flooding in Maiduguri to climate change and unusually heavy rainfall, contrary to speculation about the collapse of  Alau Dam in Borno State.

    He  said the dam is still standing, adding that the flooding was brought about by massive inflows from the Ngadda River, a major tributary of the River Yedzaram, which overwhelmed the dam’s dyke.

    He pledged an overhaul and upgrade of the Alau Dam.

    His words: “We didn’t actually envisage that the level of the water that comes this year would  be of this magnitude.

    “Because of the climate change, the downpour was in excess, and the rivers could not actually contain the water. And more water that was unexpected was being spilled into Alau Dam, and it has spilled over the dyke.

    “Alau Dam did not collapse. It was one of the dykes that could not hold excess water coming from the tributaries, so it overflowed the dam.”

    “As we mourn the losses in Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi and other states affected by flooding, the attention of Nigerians is hereby drawn to the probable flooding on rivers Niger and Benue and some of their tributaries,” he said.

    Read Also: Arewa groups commend security forces, Defence Minister over killing of bandits’ kingpin

    “The daily flow on these rivers indicates significant increase in flow levels tending towards red alert.

    “This warning means that a large volume of water is moving through our rivers down to the delta region.

    “Therefore, we should increase vigilance on all ramifications and step up proactive measures to address any eventual flooding events in the southern part of the country.”

    Borno is still counting its losses arising from the flooding with Governor Baba Gana Zulum saying the magnitude of the destruction cannot yet be quantified.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima ,on an assessment  visit yesterday to  people displaced by flood and insecurity in Niger State  reaffirmed federal government’s commitment to supporting the victims.

    Magnitude of destruction from flood cannot yet be quantified -Zulum

    In a broadcast yesterday on the Maiduguri flooding, Gov. Zulum said the magnitude of the destruction “ cannot yet be  quantified until the water has receded and on-the-spot assessments have been conducted.”

    He said a multi-stakeholder committee would be constituted to undertake a sector-by-sector assessment of the losses to guide the recovery and rebuilding process.

    “However, recovery from such a disaster cannot be the government’s responsibility alone. It requires the collective effort of all stakeholders,” he said and appealed to  community leaders, business owners, non-governmental organisations (national and international), and wealthy individuals, to “come together in support of our brothers and sisters who are suffering.”

    Business tycoon,Alhaji Aliko Dangote has donated  N1billion to the  National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and N500million to the state government.

    Donations have also come from former Borno State  Governor Ali Sheriff  (N100m), Rep. Mukhtar Betara (APC-Borno) (N100m),Gombe State government (N100m), Gov. Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa (N50m).

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says more than 30 people have died and over 400,000 displaced due to the flood in Maiduguri.

    Shettima pledges fed govt’s continued support to flood, insecurity victims

     Addressing people at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State  yesterday,Vice President Shettima said  the federal and state governments were  actively working to enhance support for displaced communities.

    He said his visit was to reaffirm President Bola Tinubu’s  “irrevocable commitment toward ameliorating the sufferings of our people. This is a symbolic gesture to assure the government and people of Niger State that the President is poised to assist all states of the federation towards addressing these challenges.”

    VP Shettima recalled that the federal government had already disbursed ₦3 billion to each state to address flooding issues.

    He, however, emphasised that it was just the beginning of a more comprehensive support plan, saying “this is just a tip of the iceberg as far as some States like Borno, Niger, Sokoto, Bayelsa and Jigawa are concerned.”

    The Vice President explained that states’ eligibility to receive additional federal government support would be evidence- driven and based on detailed assessments of needs.

    “We will do our assessment and we will be very scientific in our approach. All states that deserve to be supported will be fully supported because governance is about the people,” VP Shettima said.

    On the broader scope of the government’s infrastructure plans, the Vice President said, “In the contemporary history of Nigeria, no President has intervened decisively in the area of infrastructure greater than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    He cited ongoing projects such as the East-West Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Road as examples of the administration’s commitment to national development.

    Regarding the immediate concerns of the IDPs, VP Shettima assured that returning them to their communities was a priority, just as he disclosed that the federal and state governments, in collaboration with NEMA, were working on additional interventions for the displaced persons.

    Southern Senators seek effective flood control measures, mitigation of effects of climate change

    Reacting to the flood tragedy, the Nigerian Southern Senators’ Forum yesterday  called on relevant agencies of government to intensify efforts towards mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and implementing effective flood control measures to safeguard lives and properties.

    The Chairman of the Forum Senator Tokunbo Abiru,  in a statement in Abuja extended deep sympathies to the government and people of Borno state over the recent flood incident.

    It also commended the efforts of the Federal and State governments as well as relevant agencies in coming to the aid of the victims of the incident.

    Abiru said the forum was determined to work with “our brother colleagues across the country to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.”

  • Tinubu okays N108b for states to tackle flooding, erosion

    Tinubu okays N108b for states to tackle flooding, erosion

    • One million displaced by Maiduguri ‘national calamity’ dam burst

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved N108 billion for the states to combat natural disasters.

    Each state is entitled to N3 billion.

    This is coming on the heels of massive flooding ravaging states in the North.

    Many Southern states are at risk. Besides flooding, erosion is rampant across the country, especially in the Southeast. Kaduna is also currently battling with erosion.

    Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has also predicted more rainfall and likelihood of more flooding as the year rolls to an end.

    Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, whose capital city is reeling under the flooding that followed the collapse of Alau Dam water channels, confirmed yesterday he had received N3 billion from the Federal Government to battle the humanitarian crisis.

    According to him, no fewer than one million people have been displaced by the gory situation.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, who temporarily relocated to Maiduguri to support the efforts of the state government to assist victims of the flooding, returned to the Presidential Villa and hosted House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen yesterday.

    Shettima described the situation in Maiduguri as a “national calamity”.

    Read Also: Ooni hails Tinubu, Lagos govt on council autonomy

    Confirming the approval of Mr. President for the disaster management fund, Shettima told the speaker:  “The President has shown his zeal, willingness and commitment to partner with the states towards addressing these issues.

    “Recently, he approved the release of N3 billion to each state of the federation to address some of these challenges so that all parts of the federation should have buy-in and belonging.”

    The speaker promised that the House would give all necessary support to assist the victims.

    He said: “We in the National Assembly are looking all through to see what kind of support we will give to the people affected..

    “Insha Allah, it will come to pass, and people will go back to their normal lives and businesses as if it did not happen because we and you will make sure that we provide all the palliatives for them to regain their means of livelihood.”

    Shettima  praised Abbas for his “stellar leadership in the National Assembly”, adding that despite having nearly 70 per cent of the members as newly sworn-in, the Speaker has been able to keep the flag flying.

  • At least 25 killed in Yemen deadly flash floods

    At least 25 killed in Yemen deadly flash floods

    No fewer than 25 people were killed after flash floods hit Yemen’s northwestern province of Al-Mahwit, a local health source reported on Wednesday.

    The flash floods in Al-Mahwit, triggered by over 24 hours of heavy rain, caused the collapse of three dams and swept away dozens of houses in the Malhan district on Tuesday.

    Rescue operations are underway as several villagers are still missing, said the local health source.

    Read Also: Two missing in southern Italy amid flooding

    Earlier this month, heavy rains and flash floods in the northern provinces of Hodeidah and Hajjah claimed 45 lives and damaged over 12,000 homes, according to local health authorities.

    The WHO has expressed concern about the potential spread of diseases due to contaminated water and poor sanitation during the rainy season in the conflict-ridden country.

    Yemen had been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Houthi group seized several northern provinces, forcing the Yemeni government to flee the capital, Sanaa.

    (Xinhua/NAN)

  • ‘51 per cent farmland at risk of  flooding’

    ‘51 per cent farmland at risk of  flooding’

    Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, has raised an alarm that 397 of the 774 local governments in Nigeria accounting for over 51 percent of the country’s farming regions—are at risk of flooding.

    Speaking at the Agricultural Insurance Train-the-Trainer Workshop in Abuja, Abdullahi emphasized the growing significance of these risks, which now threaten the livelihoods of farmers, the stability of government initiatives, and the security of financial investments in the agricultural sector.

    He said severe weather conditions could devastate agricultural investments and labor, exacerbating the current rise in food prices.

    In a statement issued by the ministry’s Chief Information Officer, Eremah Anthonia, Abdullahi highlighted the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at tackling these challenges through the implementation of climate-smart agriculture.

    Read Also: FG, ASUU meet Monday on outstanding demands

    This approach, he said,  is seen as crucial for building a resilient food security system and adapting to the adverse effects of climate change.

    To address the increasing climate risks, he noted that the Ministry has formed a joint working committee, including representatives from the National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS) secretariat, the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), and Pula Advisors.

    Abdullahi said the committee’s mandate is to develop a national Agricultural Insurance scheme under NAGS.

    He said: “In simple terms, 397 of 774 councils in Nigeria, representing over 51 percent of our farming areas, are at risk of flooding.

    “It is more evident we need a climate risk mitigation solution to close the protection gaps from climate change risks as floods, drought, pests, etc capable of leading to crop failure or harvest losses”.

  • Ekiti govt tackles flooding

    Ekiti govt tackles flooding

    Ekiti State Government has assured residents that steps are being taken to avert flood, as forecasted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), to affect some states before the end of the year.

    Information Commissioner Taiwo Olatunbosun, who gave the assurance during a meeting with general managers of broadcast stations in the state and Adaba FM in Akure, Ondo State, said over N500million had been earmarked for dredging waterways and desilting gutters, among others, to minimise the risk of flood and the attendant avoidable loss of lives and property.

    Reiterating the commitment of the state government to the well-being of the people, Olatunbosun said the state would prioritise climate action to mitigate natural disasters, stressing that the state was well-prepared to ensure people did not suffer loss due to the climate change.

    He said: “Climate change is a concern to us. It has changed shift rainfall patterns, causing unpredictable floods and longer lasting droughts.’’

    Read Also; EXPLAINER: Facts about Nigeria’s seized presidential jets, Ogun Govt and Zhongshan

    The Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration has therefore also hugely invested in agriculture with several initiatives and interventions, including introduction of mechanised and cluster farming, tractorisation with subsidised ploughing and harrowing, distribution of subsidised chemicals and tools to farmers as well as distribution of high yielding seeds and seedlings with the aim of overcoming the challenges of the climate change.

    “Government has mapped out short, medium and long term plans to overcome the effects of the phenomenon pending possible permanent solution, but it is important for stakeholders to cooperate with the state government on advisories issued because they are based on well-researched experts’ advice.

    “I can assure you that despite the challenges, with the patience, understanding and cooperation of stakeholders, we will remain a great country.”

    Olatunbosun advised the general managers to ensure professionalism in their stations, stressing the need to discourage activities and utterances that might be detrimental to the peace and security in the state.

    Noting that the state government is not adverse to constructive criticism, the government spokesman stressed the need to shun statements that might lead to anarchy, saying it would be wrong for any media organisation to disseminate unsubstantiated information that could create panic and false security alarm.

    “We must think beyond individuals. It is really about the image and integrity of your stations and the effect of what you do to the sanity and socio-economic well-being of the people,” the commissioner said.

  • Flooding season

    Flooding season

    In the middle of the rainy season, there are serious questions regarding how much of the severe flooding experienced in many parts of the country is due to natural causes or human factors, and how much attention the authorities are paying to flood prevention or flood management.
    For instance, following severe flooding in Lagos, on July 3, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources in the state, Tokunbo Wahab, offered an unconvincing explanation. He said: “It’s not for failure to plan that we had what happened yesterday. No, it was nature taking its full course. And we are sorry for those whose lives were disrupted: they could not go to work, they could not go to their marketplaces, they couldn’t go to school.”
    He argued that “Nature will take its course,” adding, “What we have to do is to mitigate the impact of nature on the environment. And that was what we did yesterday.”
    The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had on July 2 predicted heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms in many states from July 3 to July 5, including Lagos, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, and the Federal Capital Territory.
    The rains come and go. So, the federal, state, and local governments were expected to have worked towards preventing severe flooding in the country before the rains came this year.

    Read Also: Flooding: Ondo begins dredging of canals, drainage


    Predictably, the authorities, as usual, will say defensive things suggesting that the main factors that cause severe flooding are beyond human control. They will play down the human factors, including arbitrary construction on natural flood plains and storm water paths, and poor drainage systems, which are compounded by weak enforcement of environmental regulations.
    Preventing severe flooding calls for proactive action not only from the relevant governmental structures at all levels but also the people in the various communities across the country. Ultimately, all levels of government in the country and the various communities within the national boundaries have a responsibility to take action to prevent severe flooding, or greatly mitigate its consequences.
    The disastrous floods of 2022 remain fresh in the minds of many Nigerians. Apart from the major issue of failure to prevent severe flooding, lack of preparation for flood control was an issue as floods described as the worst since 2012 devastated many parts of the country.
    The authorities should know that prevention is better than cure. This underscores the need for preventive action. But there should also be adequate preparation for flood management. Perennial excuses do not mitigate perennial severe flooding.

  • Flooding: Ondo begins dredging of canals, drainage

    Flooding: Ondo begins dredging of canals, drainage

    Ondo state government said it has taken proactive steps to prevent flooding across the 18 local government areas in the state by adhering to the warnings by NEMA and NIMET.

    Among the preventive measures to combat flooding was the deployment of excavators to dredge canals, desilting of drains, and channelization of waterways to ensure the free flow of water during raining season.

    In Akure, an amphibious excavator was deployed to Odi-Olowo to commence dredging of canals from Aladetoyinbo, Odi-Olowo to Dajuma areas.

    The excavator would also be deployed to the Adegbola/Ehin-Ala axis of Akure.

    Ondo commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Alhaji Hamidu Takuro, said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has issued a marching order for all drains to be de-silted

    Takuro said the governor directed that road verges be made in areas where weeds have taken over parts of the roads across the state.

    Read Also: NIMET warning: Kaduna moves to mitigate flooding

    He said: “The issue of flooding has been forewarned particularly in the southern senatorial district. If you’re moving around, there is desilting in all the local government areas, particularly in the headquarters.

    “This de-silting is to prevent flooding. Apart from that, if you observe, some roads on the left and right are so weedy, the governor said there must be road verges across our roads.”

    Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Wale Akinlosotu, said sensitisation of residents in the state has commenced ahead of the coming rains.

    Akinlosotu said the administration of Aiyedatiwa was committed to tackling flooding by ensuring preventive measures were carried out.

    “We have been sensitising our people to make sure they clear the gutters. We are expanding water channels across the state.”

  • Agungi to get extra drainage collector for flooding

    Agungi to get extra drainage collector for flooding

    • Commissioner tours troubled areas in Lekki

    Lagos State will build a bigger drainage collector in the Agungi area of Lekki to beat the perennial flooding and bring relief to residents.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab stated this yesterday after an assessment of flooded areas following the 48-hour non-stop rain.

    The commissioner, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, MahAmood Adegbite and other top officials, also visited Freedom Park Road/Kusenla Junction, Alpha Beach Road, which had similar issues. According to him, men of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) were deployed in the rain to clear the collector of debris for storm water to flow freely.

    Wahab identified a minor encroachment along Alfa Beach, behind the James Hope University, where a blockage was discovered. He said full excavation will start from Alpha Beach to Conservation Road from Saturday. He added that the new collector at Agungi Road is one of the several which the government will build to address perennial flooding in the identified areas.

    Read Also: Extra drainage collector for Agungi to beat flooding

    He said: “We have agreed that Agungi needs a new collector that will take water from the road into the lagoon. The current collector is too small to serve the volume of storm water on that stretch so we will build a bigger one. We will also partner the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to raise the road level after the collector has been built.”

    The commissioner recalled that the flooding issue on System 156 (Upstream) Alpha Beach Road has been a recurring problem, but stressed that excavation of the canal will begin immediately.

    He, however, berated residents for contributing to the problem by blocking System 156 with indiscriminate structures. He said the government will not allow people to destroy public infrastructure in the name of making profit.

    “Like we have always said, human detrimental habits also contribute to blocked drainages and canals causing flooding. People have built on System 156 thus blocking the flow of water.