The National Emergency Management Agency has deployed search and rescue teams to communities affected by fresh flooding across several states as heavy rainfall continues to damage homes, roads and other infrastructure.
NEMA spokesman Manzo Ezekiel said the agency had activated its operational offices after a flood alert and directed rescue teams to affected locations. He said the current situation was less severe than last year’s, but warned that the agency remained on alert because the rainy season was ongoing.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency also warned that heavy rainfall would continue, particularly across central and southern states, where the rainy season is at its peak. It urged residents to monitor its daily forecasts, while NEMA attributed flooding to heavy rainfall as well as blocked drainage, poor town planning and construction on waterways.
Several states reported casualties and significant property losses. Bauchi recorded two deaths and damage to thousands of homes, while residents of Obogoro in Bayelsa said more than 200 houses had been submerged by the advancing Ekoli River. In Rivers, a 17-year-old boy died in Oyigbo, while floodwaters affected homes, roads, a rehabilitation centre and an NYSC transit camp.
Edo communities were also affected after the Ojirami Dam overflowed, flooding the Enwan-Igarra-Ososo Expressway. Residents raised concerns about the condition of the dam and recalled its deadly overflow in 1980, while a poultry farmer reported losing 1,400 birds. Authorities said repairs had been carried out and measures were in place to manage rising water levels.
Flooding was also reported across parts of Imo, Osun, Ekiti, Abia and Anambra. In Abia, about 20 deaths and more than 800 damaged or submerged houses were reported, although PUNCH said the figures had not been independently verified. Anambra recorded the death of a school pupil after a shuttle bus was overturned by floodwater, while other pupils and adults were rescued.
NEMA said its response would include coordination with local authorities, technical assistance and relief materials for affected communities. Emergency officials are continuing assessments in the affected states, while state authorities have begun measures including drainage desilting, evacuation to safer areas and flood-control interventions as further rainfall is expected.
