Devastating Floods in Nigeria Claim 179 Lives, Displace Thousands

At least 179 people have died and tens of thousands have been displaced in recent weeks of flooding in Nigeria. This has significantly impacted the farming sector, especially in the northwestern states, leading to concerns over food supply amidst high inflation. President Bola Tinubu expressed profound grief over the devastation caused by the floods.

At least 179 people have lost their lives and tens of thousands have been displaced in the recent weeks of severe flooding in Nigeria, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The northwestern states have been the hardest hit, with floodwaters claiming 89 lives and destroying over 25,000 hectares of farmland. In a statement released on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu expressed profound grief upon receiving news of the extensive devastation wrought by the floods on communities and farmlands nationwide.

The floods, which peaked in July and August, have exacerbated fears regarding the country's food supply amid ongoing double-digit inflation driven by soaring food prices. The situation has been further compounded by persistent militant attacks that have led farmers to abandon their land in the northeast.

The current casualty numbers are a stark increase from last year, when NEMA reported 45 flood-related deaths. In 2022, Nigeria experienced its worst flood in over a decade, which resulted in more than 600 fatalities, the displacement of approximately 1.4 million people, and the destruction of 440,000 hectares of farmland.

(With inputs from agencies.)