Over a hundred seventy individuals perish during several weeks of flooding in Nigeria, as stated by the authorities.
Northern Nigeria has taken the brunt of the floods, as per Manzo Ezekiel, representing the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA). Despite this, other regions in the nation continue to be in danger, Ezekiel mentioned, due to persistent heavy rains and escalating water levels in the country's two largest rivers: the Niger and the Benue.
"The flooding trend in Nigeria typically starts in the north, moving its way to the central and then the southern parts, given the natural flow of water from high to low," Ezekiel explained. "In the near future, we should expect similar flooding occurrences in the central regions and eventually moving southward."
Although certain parts of Nigeria are susceptible to flooding during the monsoon season, Ezekiel revealed that this year's flooding has affected locations where it was previously uncommon.
"The current scenario is such that previously flood-free areas are now seeing floods as a result of climate change," Ezekiel told CNN.
Experts partially attribute the nation's annual floods to deficient drainage systems.
More than 600 lives were lost to floods throughout the country in 2022, marking the worst occurrence in over a decade for the West African nation.
The authorities linked the flooding to excessive rainfall and the overflowing of the Lagdo dam in Cameroon.
Last week, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) predicted that floodwaters from neighboring Niger and Mali would migrate into Nigeria "gradually", advising states along the River Niger to be vigilant.
The country's meteorological agency, NIMET, has also issued a warning for potential flash floods across the nation.
The recent flooding has left nearly 2,000 individuals injured and destroyed over 100,000 hectares of farmland, according to recent data from the disaster management agency shared with CNN.
"The flooding in Nigeria has not spared any region, as even previously flood-free areas in Africa, such as some parts of Nigeria, have been affected."
"The international community should pay close attention to the flood situations in Africa, particularly Nigeria, given the severity and widespread impact of the floods this year."
