Officials of
the Child Protection Network and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency,
BSEMA, have said three persons died in the recent flooding in the state, while
110 000 survivors risked contracting diseases.
“There were
three deaths, two adults and one child. At the Government approved IDP Camp, up
to 4 families are reported to be accommodated in one room. This suggests the
possible risk of an epidemic as some hospitals in affected locations are
reported to have shut down due to the flood,” the agency noted.
The
situation report by BSEMA on flooding in the state compared with that issued by
Child Protection Network official, Nathaniel Awuapila, on Monday, and obtained
by PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, revealed that 12 local governments are affected in
the disaster.
“There is a
strong likelihood of the situation is getting worse as we are only beginning to
experience the peak of the rainy season. There is also the possibility of water
from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon being released.
The basis of
this analysis is reconnaissance by professional civil society actors and
statements by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency,” Mr. Awuapila said.
The network
appealed for humanitarian assistance from the public to assist victims of the
disaster adding that most victims had lost their life savings.
“Family
livelihoods are at significant risk. Some families engaged in exclusive
agricultural pursuits who are caught in the emergency have lost their crops,
their houses having also been swept away. Some petty trading businesses have
closed down, which suggests harder times for the affected families.
”Particularly
vulnerable groups include nursing mothers, pregnant women, children 0-5 years,
children with disabilities, children with ailments, and the elderly,” it said.
The report
by the organisation stressed further that “affected children run the risk of
losing schooling opportunities as schools are flooded. Malnutrition, especially
among children is a real expected danger as many children may also be exposed
to infections and diseases.”
Apart from
the state capital Makurdi, rural areas affected by the flood according to the
BSEMA include Tse-Agberagba, Tse-Gaase, Tse-Kyor Kpev, and Tse Anyon.
At Mabpupuu,
Tse-Gabiin is affected, with many houses and farms reportedly washed away.
In Buruku,
Agyo, Dogo, Baja, and Buruku towns are affected. In Gwer East, Ikpayongo and
Aliade have also been affected.
In Katsina
Ala, Hausa Quarters and communities along Zaki Biam Road are also included in
the tragedy while in Okpokwu, Ugbokolo town is affected, particularly the
location known as Jericho.
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