Daily Trust (Abuja)

Nigeria: Over 25,000 Displaced By Flood in Benue - NEMA

Photo: NEMA
Homes are affected by floods in Kaduna.

Over 25,000 people in 14 communities have been displaced in Benue and Kaduna states after Rivers Benue and Kaduna over float their banks, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said.

The agency has also called on all communities residing in areas prone to floods to vacate the areas.

A statement yesterday by NEMA spokesman, Yusha'u Shuaibu said some communities in Kano state submerged after the collapse of Warawa dam. Similarly, more areas along the plains of River Benue and River Niger have remained under the threat of flood from the unprecedented rise of water in the upstream dams.

In Benue State, NEMA along with the state government and other stakeholders have established three camps for the displaced persons while officials have mobilized to other areas that are also affected by the disaster including Bauchi state.

The agency said it has contacted the relevant states governors and stakeholders as well as launched a series of awareness campaigns and advocacy to sensitize the vulnerable communities on measures to be taken.

The agency said some of the communities have remained adamant and refused to move as they resigned their fate to the act of God.

NEMA said authorities at the Jebba hydroelectric dam has began discrete release of the excess water from the dam to safeguard the facility.

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