FLOODING: NEMA declares national disaster in 5 more states
The flooding in Bayelsa, Rivers, Taraba, Adamawa and Kebbi states have been declared a national disaster by the National Emergency Management (NEMA).
The declaration now makes all states with devastating impact of flooding a total of nine. NEMA had earlier declared in four states – Kogi, Niger, Delta, and Anambra states.
The agency’s spokesperson, Mustapha Maihaja said on Thursday that efforts were still ongoing to assist victims of flooding across the country.
“It would be recalled that on Sept. 17, a National Disaster was declared in Kogi, Niger, Delta, Anambra states,” he said.
“In consideration of the data and information being received, in particular the Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) and guided by relevant NEMA Policy documents, additional 5 states are observed to have been impacted severely by the disaster.
“On the consultation, subsequent endorsement of all the stakeholders here present, and the delegation of Authority conferred on me by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I, Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, the Director General, NEMA hereby declared National Disaster in the five (5) states of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Kebbi, Rivers and Taraba.”
Many residents in affected states have been displaced and lost properties and farmlands worth billions of Naira.
Over 50 persons have been reported dead since the massive flooding began over a month ago.
