Speaking in Minna, Yelwa revealed that officials from the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, and the Gombe State government have urgently mobilized to the dam site to assess the situation and explore options to prevent the disaster.

In addressing the press, Yelwa highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that one potential solution involves opening the dam’s spillway gates to release some of the impounded water. However, he warned that this action could pose a significant danger to communities downstream.

“Given the scale of devastation this year, which has impacted critical infrastructure and livelihoods, and in light of predictions of further flooding, we urge the federal government to declare a state of emergency on flooding, particularly in N-HYPPADEC member states,” Yelwa stated.

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He disclosed that the current rainy season floods have claimed 200 lives and displaced 208,000 people across 28 states. A staggering 80 percent of these casualties and displacements occurred in N-HYPPADEC catchment states, exacerbated by their locations and the electricity generation activities in these areas.

Yelwa lamented the destruction of homes and farmlands, attributing the situation to poor infrastructure, neglect of environmental guidelines, and ineffective dam management. He warned that the situation could deteriorate further, citing preliminary reports from Benue State, where 634 communities have been affected and nearly 30,000 farmlands have been washed away. Similar impacts were reported in Kebbi, Gombe, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Kaduna states.

“This poses a serious threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts towards achieving food security and wealth creation in the country,” Yelwa stressed.

In response to the crisis, Yelwa called for a repositioning of relevant agencies and stakeholders to take proactive measures in containing the flood’s impact and ensuring prompt responses to any further occurrences.

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He detailed N-HYPPADEC’s interventions in flood-affected areas, including the construction of a 625-meter hydraulic drainage system in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, a 1.2-kilometre hydraulic drainage system, and a 2.5-kilometre de-silting on a dyke flood plain in Benue State. Additionally, the commission has executed flood control projects in Yauri, Kebbi State, and erosion control projects in Patigi, Kwara State. Housing schemes for about 500 flood victims are also under construction in Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and Kebbi states.

Yelwa concluded by urging communities living along flood plains to remain vigilant and adhere to instructions from relevant authorities to prevent further loss of life and property.

The post Gombe’s Dadinkowa Dam at Risk of Collapse Amid Flood Crisis appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Governor Mohammed Bago disclosed the housing initiative, aimed at providing long-term solutions to the challenges faced by affected communities, in collaboration with the Federal Government.

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During the food commodities distribution, Governor Bago highlighted the importance of early warning systems for floods, considering Niger State’s vulnerability. He outlined strategies to rebuild communities affected by insecurity and flood disasters.

The Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, emphasized the agency’s role in providing immediate relief through food aid.

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She also urged proactive measures to address the impending flood disaster in Niger State, highlighting the need for preparedness actions by the state government and response agencies.

The post NEMA Distributes Food Aid as Niger State Unveils Housing Plans for Displaced Residents appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

By Ajayi Taiwo

A recent flood in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, has had a devastating impact on housing in the area. Many homes have been damaged or destroyed, and residents have been displaced.

The flooding was caused by a torrential downpour that lasted for several hours. The water levels rose quickly, and many people were caught off guard. Some residents were able to escape to higher ground, but others were trapped in their homes.

Message from the Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti

The governor regretted the level of havoc wreaked by the flood and assured that his government would map out life-saving mechanisms to mitigate the destruction of property in areas submerged by water.

“Our people should discount that rumor that five people died. Nothing of such happened.

“We have it on good authority that those who fell victim were saved by divers. So, our people shouldn’t panic.

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“It was to avoid flooding that this government embarked on aggressive dredging of Ureje and Elemi Rivers early this year.

“We also cleared many drains in Ado-Ekiti. If not for those proactive actions, the wreckage could have been worse and more destructive.

“We sympathize with those who were affected by this flooding. My government won’t abandon them.

“We will take quick steps to address all your issues. We will surely come to your aid because the welfare of the people is paramount,” he said.

The flooding has had a major impact on the housing market in Ado-Ekiti. Many homes have been rendered uninhabitable, and the demand for rental housing has increased. The prices of rental properties have also increased, making it difficult for people to find affordable housing.

The government has been providing temporary housing for those affected by the flooding, but the long-term impact on housing in the area is still uncertain. The government is working to develop a plan to rebuild the damaged homes and to make the city more resilient to future flooding.

In the meantime, residents of flood-prone areas are taking steps to protect their homes. Some residents are raising the foundation of their homes, while others are installing flood vents and waterproofing their basements. Residents are also storing their belongings in safe places.

The flooding in Ado-Ekiti is a reminder of the risks of living in flood-prone areas. Residents of these areas should take steps to protect their homes and belongings. The government also has a role to play in reducing the risk of flooding. By taking these steps, we can help to reduce the impact of flooding on housing and make our communities more resilient to this hazard.

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The post Ekiti State Governor Promises Swift Response to Flood Damage appeared first on Housing TV Africa.