The National Emergency Management Agency has commenced a unified rapid assessment of the 2024 flood impacts.
The exercise is being carried out in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies and development partners nationwide.
At least over 300 people reportedly died, with about 1.2 million affected by floods in 33 states in Nigeria in the year.
Floods displaced tens of thousands of people in Kogi State, with many communities submerged.
There were records of flash floods in Dikwa, Borno State, after another major flood in Maiduguri town, following the collapse of the Alau Dam.
The Maiduguri flood attracted humanitarian gestures with President Bola Tinubu visiting to commiserate with the people.
After almost a week, flood-affected people in Maiduguri returned home as floodwaters receded in the metropolitan council.
Vast tracts of farmland across the country were destroyed, with the top five most impacted states including Taraba, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto and Jigawa, threatening food security.
The was a significant increase in the relocation of Lagos and Ogun state residents as flood water continued to ravage Isheri, Arepo, Lafenwa, and Warewa, among other areas, following the release of Oyan Dam water.
Many Nigerians face critical food insecurity due to flood damage to croplands at the height of the lean season.
It was also a season of cholera outbreaks following reported floods across the country.
Adamawa and other states along the Benue River system were on high alert for flooding, following the opening of Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.
On October 13, a report from the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment predicted five days of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flooding in 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
NEMA, on its official X handle @nemanigeria, on Wednesday, said the joint assessment aimed to harmonise data collected by its Emergency Operation Centre with information from partners to produce a nationally verified report on the disaster’s effects.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said the agency was working alongside SEMAs, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the International Organisation for Migration, and the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
“The assessment will evaluate the flood’s impacts on communities regarding shelter, livelihoods, food security, water sanitation and hygiene, and access to information and education,” the statement said.
Umar further said that in line with best practices, the assessment would also allow affected communities to provide input on how they can best be supported in their recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, urged the federal and state governments to adopt control measures to mitigate the impact of flood disasters in 22 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
The House resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Oluwaseun Whingan, during Wednesday’s plenary.
Titled “Urgent need for precautionary measures to mitigate predicted flood risks in 22 states and the FCT,” the lawmaker cited a report by the October 14, 2024 edition of The PUNCH concerning the prediction of five days of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flooding in 22 states and the FCT.
The report was attributed to the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The lawmaker added that communities along the flood plains of Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun, in states such as Osun, Delta, Cross River, Anambra, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Kebbi, among others, were at risk of severe flooding.
Speaking on the motion, Whingan said, “The House is concerned that the predicted heavy rainfall and resulting floods could have devastating impacts on vulnerable communities, leading to displacement, loss of property, destruction of infrastructure, and potential loss of lives if adequate precautionary mechanisms were not put in place to protect citizens in these areas.
“The House is also concerned that despite early warnings, there may not be sufficient proactive measures such as timely evacuations, provision of temporary shelters, and support systems for affected communities.
“This increases the risk of severe humanitarian consequences if these warnings are not addressed through urgent action.
“We are aware that flooding is a recurring issue in Nigeria, often exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems, lack of preparation, and insufficient coordination among agencies responsible for disaster management.
“It is crucial that relevant authorities immediately implement strategies to mitigate the predicted disaster, including evacuation plans, provision of relief materials, and ensuring post-flood recovery efforts are coordinated effectively.”
The motion enjoyed overwhelming support as members voted in support.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and state governments “to activate evacuation protocols for communities along flood plains and ensure that affected populations have access to temporary shelters, medical services, and other forms of support.”
The legislative body also summoned the Federal Ministry of Environment, NEMA and the Hydrological Services Agency to appear before it to explain what precautionary measures were being implemented to safeguard lives and property in the predicted flood zones.
This is just as it urged the Federal Ministries of Works, Housing and Water Resources to carry out “an immediate assessment of drainage systems and waterways in flood-prone areas and work to reduce blockages that could worsen flooding.”
The House also directed the Federal Government, through its relevant ministries and agencies, to collaborate with state governments to enhance their disaster preparedness capabilities and ensure the quick deployment of rescue teams, relief materials, and medical assistance where needed.
It mandated its Committee on Environment, jointly with the Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, and Water Resources to ensure ongoing monitoring and post-flood rehabilitation efforts, so that affected communities could receive long-term support in rebuilding infrastructure and livelihoods.