Flooding Claims Two Lives, Leaves 18 Nasarawa Communities Underwater

At least two people have died and more than 18 communities have been submerged by severe flooding in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, displacing residents and destroying homes, farmlands and roads.

The flooding, caused by heavy rainfall and the overflow of the River Benue, has affected several settlements in the Eke Development Area, leaving residents struggling to access essential services.

The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Nawani Aboki, confirmed the deaths and the scale of destruction while briefing journalists in Lafia, the state capital, on Monday.

Aboki said communities along the River Benue had been affected, with Agyema among the areas experiencing significant flooding.

More than eight communities in the area were reportedly submerged, while Rukubi and Akpanaja were also affected.

Thousands Displaced by Floodwaters

The Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) had earlier estimated that between 4,000 and 5,000 residents were displaced across 11 communities.

However, subsequent assessments identified seven additional communities, bringing the total number affected to more than 18, according to the commissioner.

Many displaced residents have sought refuge in neighbouring settlements on higher ground, including Agyema, Agbachi and Rukubi.

Their arrival has placed additional pressure on host communities, which are struggling to accommodate the growing number of people fleeing the floodwaters.

The situation has raised concerns about access to temporary shelter, clean drinking water, food and healthcare for displaced households.

Roads Cut Off as Farmlands Are Destroyed

The flooding has also disrupted transportation, leaving some communities difficult to reach.

Aboki said the road linking Doma to the affected settlements had become impassable. Officials and residents travelling to some of the locations have had to go through Makurdi, the Benue State capital, before continuing by boat.

The destruction of homes and farmlands has further worsened conditions for affected residents, many of whom depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

The loss of crops could also increase food insecurity if floodwaters remain for an extended period and prevent farmers from returning to their land.

Nasarawa Government Plans Relief Assistance

Governor Abdullahi Sule has directed the Executive Secretary and Director-General of NASEMA to visit the affected communities, assess the damage and submit a report to guide the state government’s response.

Aboki said arrangements were being made to provide relief materials and other assistance to flood victims.

The planned intervention is also expected to include measures to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks among displaced residents and in the communities hosting them.

The assessment will help authorities determine the level of assistance required and the extent of the damage to homes, roads and agricultural land.

Residents Warned Against Returning Home

The commissioner urged people living in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground to avoid being trapped by rising waters.

He also advised displaced residents to remain away from their homes until the floodwaters had completely receded and it was safe to return.

Aboki expressed concern that additional water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon could worsen flooding along the River Benue.

The dam is located upstream on the Benue River, and changes in water levels can affect downstream communities during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.

Residents were urged to take flood warnings seriously and prioritise their safety over the protection of property and agricultural investments.

Emergency Assessments Continue

Emergency agencies are continuing to assess the impact of the disaster, including the number of people displaced and the extent of damage to homes, roads and farmlands.

The state government has yet to announce a revised displacement figure following the increase in the number of affected communities from 11 to more than 18.

The disaster highlights the vulnerability of communities along the River Benue to seasonal flooding, which can cause fatalities, displace households, destroy crops and disrupt transportation.

For residents affected by the latest flooding, urgent priorities include access to safe shelter, essential supplies and protection from further rises in water levels.