Recent floods in Nigeria have resulted in nearly 200 fatalities and the displacement of over 208,000 individuals, primarily in the northern regions, raising significant food security concerns. The floods are attributed to infrastructural failures and poor environmental management rather than excessive rainfall. The situation is dire, with over 107,000 hectares of farmland destroyed, exacerbating the hunger crisis affecting 32 million people across the nation.
Severe flooding in Nigeria has resulted in the tragic loss of nearly 200 lives and has devastated agricultural lands, intensifying food security issues throughout the country. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), up to 208,000 individuals have been displaced across 28 states due to the floods, predominantly affecting the northern regions. The disaster has prompted urgent evacuation efforts to temporary shelters as infrastructure failures, such as poorly maintained dams and inadequate adherence to environmental regulations, are contributing factors to the current crisis. Unlike previous years, where intense rainfall was cited as the primary cause of flooding, forecasts for the current year have predicted either delayed or normal precipitation. Instead, experts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency attribute this year’s flooding to human activities, including improper waste disposal and unauthorized construction along waterways. “What we are doing is causing this climate change so there is a shift from the normal,” stated Ibrahim Wasiu Adeniyi, head of the central forecasting unit, highlighting the pressing need for improved environmental practices. The authorities are on high alert, warning that flooding conditions could worsen as water levels rise and flow towards central and southern states. Manzo Ezekiel, spokesperson for NEMA, urged residents in susceptible areas to evacuate promptly, stating, “People (in flood-prone areas) need to evacuate now … because we don’t have time any longer.” Jigawa state has emerged as one of the hardest hit, reporting 37 fatalities. Local officials are converting public buildings into shelters to accommodate those who have been displaced. With over 107,000 hectares of farmland rendered unusable, the consequences on agriculture—especially in the north, where most of Nigeria’s harvest originates—are dire. Farmers are struggling with diminished resources amidst economic instability and escalating violence in some regions. Consequently, Nigeria faces an acute hunger crisis, with approximately 32 million individuals—accounting for 10% of the global population suffering from extreme hunger—affected by these circumstances, as reported by the United Nations’ food agency. This statement resonates with the sentiments of Abdullahi Gummi from Zamfara state, who lamented the destruction of his family’s farm, stating they invested around 300,000 naira ($188) but lost everything due to the flooding.
The recurrent flooding in Nigeria presents a significant challenge, exacerbated by infrastructural weaknesses and lax enforcement of environmental regulations. The country has historically experienced seasonal flooding, but the scale of recent floods has highlighted the urgent need for improved disaster management and infrastructure investment. The worsening situation has substantial implications for food security as many regions depend heavily on agriculture for livelihood and sustenance.
In summary, the floods in Nigeria have caused extensive loss of life and property, especially impacting agricultural productivity in farming-dependent areas. The interplay of human actions, inadequate infrastructure, and adverse climatic conditions necessitate immediate attention and action from both governmental and non-governmental entities to mitigate further disasters and provide relief to affected populations. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial for restoring food security and protecting the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
Original Source: apnews.com
