NEMA and Kwara agency assess flood damage in Edu communities

The National Emergency Management Agency and the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency have begun a joint assessment of flood damage in communities across Edu Local Government Area. The exercise followed torrential flooding that submerged farmlands, damaged residential buildings and killed livestock in Pututa and adjoining communities in Lafiagi Ward. The team began its inspection at the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammad Kudu Kawu, before visiting affected areas.

KWASEMA Secretary Saadu Magaji said the assessment would document the losses and help determine the intervention required. He sympathised with affected residents and urged people living in flood-prone areas to move to safer locations during intense rainfall. “We are documenting the losses and compiling a detailed report that will guide the mobilisation of relief materials and other support to the affected people,” Magaji said.

He also urged traditional rulers and community leaders to improve public awareness of flood early-warning alerts and the precautions residents should take when warnings are issued. The team inspected several accessible communities, including Pututa, Esun, Efagi, Kpahso, Kpashakpako, Elumoba, Ebangi, Rupete, Eko, Edogi, Likpata, Gwondangi, Tswako, Gbarigi and Chewuru. The assessment came two days after Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq visited the affected communities and directed KWASEMA to document the losses.

He announced N10m in immediate assistance for Pututa residents and said addressing recurring flooding would require federal intervention, including dredging of the River Niger.