Recent flooding in Niger has led to a tragic toll, claiming the lives of 11 individuals and affecting 6,865 households across the region. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that the floods impacted five local governments, with fatalities reported as follows: five in Mokwa, two each in Shiroro and Munya, and one each in Katcha and Rijau.

In a collaborative statement with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), NSEMA’s Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah, revealed that approximately 529 communities in 19 out of the 25 local government areas have been affected. The councils most impacted include Mokwa, Katcha, Lavun, Lapai, Agaie, Shiroro, Munya, Gbako, Kontagora, Bosso, Edati, Agwara, Magama, Bida, Mashegu, Borgu, Gurara, Suleja, and Rijau.

The floods have left around 41,192 people displaced, with 34 communities now residing in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps established by the Niger State Government or seeking shelter with neighboring areas. The educational sector has also suffered, with 246 school infrastructures reported destroyed, complicating living conditions for both students and teachers.

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Infrastructure damage has been severe, with 18 bridges and 80 culverts completely destroyed, disrupting communication in affected regions. Arah cautioned that the state could face potential food shortages, as the flooding has devastated approximately 118,692 hectares of farmland, including crops that were nearly ready for harvest. Additionally, over 1,600 fish ponds have been lost to the deluge.

Looking forward, predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) indicate further rainfall, heightening concerns about continued flooding. The overflowing dams and blocked waterways caused by refuse exacerbate the situation. In light of this crisis, the Niger State Government has approved immediate procurement of food and essential items for distribution to those affected.