Flooding continues to devastate communities in Nigeria, with Delta State experiencing significant impact. No fewer than 20 communities in the state, especially Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Isoko North, and Isoko South, have been submerged. The floods have severely disrupted social life, closed schools, and damaged farmlands and properties.
According to Ikenchukwu, a resident of Ibedeni, “No vehicles can pass because there are very bad spots on the road, and the water is covering it, so anyone that attempts will fall or get stuck if they try to drive through.” Chuka, another resident, voiced concerns about education: “The primary school is closed, while the secondary school is technically still open. Teachers from outside the community haven’t been able to come because of the flood.”
The Delta State government has committed to supporting those affected. Chief Press Secretary Festus Ahon stated, “Our flood management team, working with SEMA and NEMA, is currently advising coastal communities to move to higher ground.” Plans to distribute food supplies to the most affected areas are underway.
In Benue, 770 households have been displaced due to rising water levels along the River Benue. Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Aondowase Kunde reported that displaced persons in Makurdi are now taking refuge in temporary camps, such as NKST Primary School Wadata and Gaadi Comprehensive Secondary School, where they have received food and non-food items.
The Federal Government has also responded by initiating a comprehensive assessment of dams to address structural integrity issues and environmental impacts. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Joseph Utsev announced that President Tinubu’s directive aims to “arrest the challenge of flooding” by forming an inter-ministerial committee tasked with evaluating dams nationwide. This technical sub-committee, which includes experts from various ministries and organizations, has already visited key dams and will use their findings to develop an action plan addressing challenges associated with flooding, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation.
