The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is partnering the Nigerian Army to address recurring flooding in parts of Sokoto state.
The agency has earlier confirmed the dead of 15 people across the six out of the seven local government areas currently being ravaged by flood in the state.
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The areas include; Goronyo, Rabah, Gada, Sokoto-north, Wamakko, Silame and Binji.
Daily Trust also reported that 5,254 persons were displaced while over 20,000 hecters of farmlands were submerged, destroying crops worth millions of Naira.
The agency, however, expressed concern that some other local government areas could experience flooding before the end of the raining season.
The areas include, Dange Shuni, Kware and Wurno among others.
Speaking during the flood advocacy visit to the 26 Battalion, Nigeria Army, Ginginya Barracks, Sokoto, the Director General of NEMA, AVM Muhammadu Alhaji Muhammed (rtd.) decried that flood had become a recurring experience in Nigeria.
The DG, who was represented by the Director Special Services of NEMA, Engr Joseph Akujobi, admitted that the annual occurrences of flood was threatening the agricultural potentials of Sokoto state.
“Flood has become a recurring experience in Nigeria.
“After the 2012 devastating flood, a similar one occurred in 2018 leading to a declaration of disaster emergency in many states.
“Sokoto State is known to be one of the major food producers in the country with the citizens largely engaged in farming activities.
“However, the annual occurrences of flood have continued to threaten this potential,” he added.
The DG appealed to all and sundry, including government, to evolve strategies capable of minimizing losses through adherence to warning alerts, sensitization, early preparation and proper response.
Responding to the visit, the Commanding Officer, 26 Battalion, Lt Col Usman Mohammed, said the Army has a disaster response unit, adding also that the battalion is in charge of both Sokoto and Zamfara states and are on ground to take care of disaster related issues.
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