Downpour cause flooding in Benue

October 14, 2024

Several houses were submerged by flooding on Monday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, following a nine-hour downpour.

Our correspondent reported that the rain, which started in the early hours of Monday and lasted until noon, caused flooding in several areas within the capital city. Some of the affected areas include Gyado Villa, Wadata, Wurukum, Achussa, and parts of North Bank, all within the Makurdi metropolis.

Residents living in riverine areas who refused to evacuate were predominantly affected. Although some individuals have been forced to relocate to designated areas earmarked by the state government, many remain in their homes.

It is important to note that the state government had earlier warned people living near riverine areas to relocate to designated camps within the capital city. A resident in Achussa, who identified himself as Kajo, told our correspondent that he could have relocated to a nearby camp but thought that flooding might not occur again.

Speaking on the flooding, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. James Iorpuu, communicated through the Information Officer, Terna Ager, that the agency had fully prepared to respond to the needs of those affected by the flooding.

Iorpuu stated that many residents living in flood-prone areas such as Gaadi and Wadata have already relocated to approved designated camps in Wadata and along Gboko Road. He said, “As I speak with you, the technical committee on rapid response to flooding, set up by Governor Alia, is currently at Wadata and Gaadi camps and has started distributing food and non-food items to affected victims. Those impacted by the recent flooding have been given mattresses and other essential supplies.”

“Today, many residents in Wadata and Gboko Road areas of Makurdi were affected. Therefore, we are calling on all those living in and around flood-prone areas to immediately relocate to camps to avoid further losses,” he added.

“Like I said earlier, the technical team has gone out to assess the affected areas. However, it will be difficult to immediately ascertain the exact number of people affected by the rain that has caused flooding in the state.”

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