At least 170 people have died and more than 200,000 others have been displaced following weeks of devastating flooding in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. This dire situation has been confirmed by a spokesperson from the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), Manzo Ezekiel, who provided updates to CNN on Tuesday. Northern Nigeria has been the hardest hit by the recent floods. Ezekiel noted that the floodwaters have caused significant damage in the northern regions, with the situation expected to worsen as the flooding moves southwards. “The pattern of flooding in Nigeria is such that it usually happens on the northern side before moving to the central and southern parts… because the water flows downwards,” he explained. He added that central and southern Nigeria are likely to experience similar flooding in the coming days due to the continuing torrential rains and rising water levels in the Niger and Benue rivers. The flooding this year has reached areas previously considered less susceptible to such disasters. Ezekiel attributed this shift to climate change, which has altered weather patterns and intensified the impact of the rainy season. “Some places that were not previously known to be prone to floods are experiencing floods this time because of climate change,” he told reporters.

The impact of the flooding has been severe. According to the latest data from NEMA, nearly 2,000 people have been injured, and more than 100,000 hectares of farmland have been destroyed. The widespread destruction of crops and farmland is expected to have long-term consequences for food security and agriculture in the affected regions. Environmentalists have pointed to inadequate drainage infrastructure as a contributing factor to the floods. Poorly maintained and insufficient drainage systems have exacerbated the problem, leading to more severe and widespread flooding. The situation is further compounded by the fact that Nigeria’s flood management systems have struggled to keep pace with the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. In 2022, Nigeria faced similar flooding challenges, with over 600 people killed in what was described as the worst flood crisis in more than a decade. That year’s flooding was largely attributed to above-average rainfall and the overflow of the Lagdo dam in neighboring Cameroon. The situation in 2023 has been exacerbated by floodwaters moving from neighboring countries like Niger and Mali. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) recently warned that these floodwaters are expected to gradually flow into Nigeria, urging states along the River Niger to remain vigilant. The country’s meteorological agency, NIMET, has also issued warnings about the risk of flash floods across the nation. The combination of ongoing rainfall, rising river levels, and inadequate drainage has created a perfect storm for severe flooding. As the crisis unfolds, authorities and humanitarian organizations are working to provide relief and support to the affected populations. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further flooding as weather patterns continue to evolve. The Nigerian government and international partners are focusing on both immediate relief efforts and long-term strategies to address the underlying issues contributing to the flooding and mitigate the impact on vulnerable communities.