The Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NHSA) says no fewer than 14 communities have been affected by flood in Kogi State.
This according to the agency cut across 13 out of the 21 Local Government areas in the state.
Director General Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NHSA) Moses Beckley stated this in Lokoja while presenting a paper titled ” The Reality of flood and the Possible Solution as it affects Kogi State.”
The NHSA boss who presented his paper at a stakeholders’ forum on climate/tree planting campaign with the theme “Tackling Climate Change: the need for Afforestation” recalled that on June 10th 2017, the agency raised alarm that 30 states will be affected by flooding, most especially those residing in high risk areas.
“So far, we have experienced close to 20 states, currently being ravaged by flood across the federation. Most of this flood, have happened in Urban areas”, he said.
He added that “it is our responsibilities to make sure that when the rain come down, the run off water are controlled, managed, and harnessed for future use”.
Also in his presentation, the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja said the Federal Government will continue to provide support to states affected by flood.
Represented by Idris Mohammed, the Director General of NEMA observed that hydrological Hazards, floods and drought had become a source of major concern to Government and people all over the world.
According Engr. Maihaja, these natural hazards were attributable to climate change, human activities and rising in sea level.
He gave a breakdown of the effect of the 2012 flooding across the 36 states of the federation.
“7 million people were affected. 2.3 million were displaced. 597,476 houses were destroyed. Over 363 people were killed.
“Estimated value of destroyed physical and durable assets was 1.5 trillion naira. Estimated value of losses across all sectors of economic activities was N1.1 trillion. Total estimate of damage and loss was 2.6 trillion naira”, Maihaja explained.
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