Two people have died and 18 communities have been affected by Nasarawa flooding in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, according to the state government.
The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Nawani Aboki, confirmed the deaths on Monday in Lafia. He said the disaster was more severe than the usual seasonal flooding.
The Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) initially reported that more than 5,000 people had been displaced across 11 communities. However, a subsequent assessment identified seven more affected communities, bringing the total to 18.
Aboki did not provide an updated figure for the number of displaced residents.
Government Assesses Flood Damage
The commissioner said Governor Abdullahi Sule had directed NASEMA to assess all affected communities and submit a report to guide the government’s response.
“The Governor sent the Executive Secretary of the humanitarian agency to visit all the communities. He is working on a report. We hope government will take concrete action this week,” Aboki said.
He added that the state government was mobilising relief materials for affected residents. The measures also aim to prevent possible disease outbreaks in the communities.
Residents Warned Against Returning Home
Aboki urged displaced residents to remain away from their homes until the floodwaters recede.
He warned that further water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon could worsen the situation.
The commissioner also urged residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to follow evacuation warnings issued by the state government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The latest Nasarawa flooding assessment has expanded the number of affected communities from 11 to 18. However, authorities have yet to release a revised displacement figure.
The state government says it will use NASEMA’s assessment report to guide its response to the disaster.
