Abuja – The Federal Government on Sunday revealed that 603 persons have been killed as a result of floods.
It also revealed that 2,504,095 persons have so far been affected across the country.
This was disclosed in Abuja on Sunday by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq during a briefing.
She however said efforts have been made by the ministry and relevant agencies to evacuate and also distribute relief items to those affected.
Giving updates on persons affected, Farouq said: “The 2022 flood data as of 16th October is; 2,504,095 persons are affected, 1,302,589 persons have been displaced and 2,407 persons have been injured.
“We have recorded 603 deaths, 121,318 houses have been partially damaged while 82,053 houses are damaged.
Also, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed all emergency bodies to give all help to Bayelsa State as it battles ravaging floods sweeping through all parts of the state.
According to Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on media and publicity, Buhari gave the directive in Sunday in Abuja .
Sheu in a statement said Buhari expressed sadness at the devastation caused by floods in Bayelsa State.
” He extended the nation’s condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by this natural disaster.
“According to released reports by the State Government, 700,000 persons have been displaced in about 300 communities and villages in five of the State’s eight local government areas that were submerged in water due to rains causing the floods.
While the authorities in the State are taking steps to help people hit by the floods, the President has directed that all federal agencies dealing with rescue and disaster management offer all needed assistance to Bayelsa.
President Buhari blamed buildings on water channels, disregard for early warning by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the changes to weather caused by climate change as chiefly to blame for the floods that have so far hit 33 of the nation’s 36 states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory which has not been spared either.
“The President also directed all concerned to work for the restoration of normalcy throughout the affected parts of the federation,” the statement by Garba Shehu said. (The Nation / vitalnewsngr.com)
