THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says more than N12 billion is needed to cater for the over 327,000 people that were affected by flood disasters across 12 states and 50 local government areas in the country.
Of this amount, only N3 billion is available, while over N9 billion remains unmet.
This was contained in a situation report published by the agency on Friday, which showed that four out of the 12 states that experienced flooding recently have been declared national disaster. They include Anambra, Delta, Kogi and Niger states.
“There are 327,052 people affected in the flooded States. National and Territorial Emergency Operating Centers (EOCs) are activated to facilitate the response in the States and collect information on critical gaps and needs,” the situation report read in part.
“70 casualties have been reported so far and… the numbers are expected to increase. Damaged shelters are yet to be ascertained in some areas as the flooding has not yet subsided.”
The number of people that sustained injuries as a result of the floods has been put at 151, while 3,544 houses were destroyed or damaged, and 60,208 hectares of agricultural land were destroyed.
“There are reports of malaria and possibility of water-borne diseases. The displaced population are currently being hosted in emergency shelters1 such as LGA offices, schools, stadiums, churches and an IDP hostel built by Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation,” the report added.
“The extent of the damage is expected to increase once floods have receded. Power and telecommunications are reported to be down in some locations.”
The report, however, added that asides the support services being rendered by the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation, several other international humanitarian organisations such as United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), have deployed their staff to support the operations, especially through the provision of information management and GIS mapping.
On Thursday, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited flooded communities in Anambra and Delta states and assured residents of the federal government’s commitment to their welfare.