Flood: The Federal Government has a few hours ago, declared National disaster in four states of the federation, of Anambra, Delta, Kogi and Niger state.
This is coming a few days after President Muhammadu Buhari gave a directive to the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to declare an emergency in areas that flood are have been forecasted if such forecast comes to a reality.
The President also approved the release of N3billion Naira to the agency to help provide for nevessary needs of possible victims of anticipated flood across the country, especially areas prone to flood.
The declaration is also coming after the warning by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency that Rivers Benue and Niger had almost reached levels that resulted in flooding in 2012, which led to lost of lives and destruction of property. This states mentioned above are also located along the axis of Rivers Niger and Benue
The statement released reads:
“On behalf of the President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, I, Engr. Mustapha Maihaja, Director-General of NEMA , hereby declare National Disaster in the following States: – Kogi – Niger – Anambra – Delta.”
NEMA b fore now, had earlier warn those along the Rivers Niger and Benue to evacuate as the flood coming this time could be almost the same thing if not higher and worse than that which was witnessed in 2012. But so far, majority have been reluctant to evacuate from their homes and have continued to stay despite the rise in the water level in these areas.
The water level could rise further by the time the Camerounian government releases the water from their Dam which they will do in the coming days, but are yet to do so.
NEMA taking precautionary measures and also been proactive have declared national disaster after visiting these states and seeing first hand the damaged already done by the flood that is still at its infant stage.
The decision was taken to avert what happened in 2012, and so far the progress and compliance level have been commendable.