A devastating torrential rainfall in Niger State has resulted in 7 people being declared missing, with 89 houses completely submerged and extensive farmlands washed away.
The severe flooding occurred in several communities across Mashegu and Magama local government areas, following a prolonged 10-hour downpour.
According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), local divers are currently engaged in a rescue operation to locate those missing.
The agency has also issued a warning to residents in riverbank communities to relocate to higher ground, as further rainfall is expected, which could exacerbate the flooding situation.
The affected communities include Sabon Pegi in Mashegu Local Government and Nassarawa community in Magama Local Government. NSEMA has confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts being made to provide support to those displaced by the flooding.
This latest incident comes after the National Emergency Management Agency listed Niger State as one of the areas expected to be severely affected by flooding this year, with 17 out of 25 local governments identified as high-risk zones.
