Benue Experiences Flooding Due to Heavy Rainfall

Several neighborhoods in Makurdi, Benue State, have experienced flooding after over nine hours of heavy rainfall on Monday.The rain began around 3 AM and continued until noon, impacting various locations such as Gyado Villa, Wadata, Wurukum, Achussa, and parts of North Bank in Makurdi.continue Reading>>>

Our correspondent, who toured the affected areas, noted that residents living in low-lying riverine zones who chose not to relocate were hit the hardest.The state government had previously issued warnings to residents in flood-prone regions, advising them to move to designated safe areas within the city.

During a visit to some flooded neighborhoods, residents were seen trying to salvage their belongings from the water.A resident of Wadata, referred to as Tondo, shared that he and his family woke up when the rain began and started to save some of their personal items.

He explained, “Usually, we struggle to sleep during the rainy season because we worry about flooding. So, when the rain started at 3 AM, we were already awake. We hoped it would stop, but by 7 AM, when it was clear it was still pouring, we began moving important items like documents and food outside.”

When asked why his family decided not to relocate to the nearby safe zones, Tondo mentioned they thought they had avoided the worst flooding.Meanwhile, Mr. James Iorpuu, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, stated that the agency was well-prepared to assist those impacted by the flooding.

Iorpuu, speaking through Information Officer Terna Ager, noted that many residents in flood-prone areas, such as Gaadi and Wadata, had already moved to designated camps located in Wadata and along Gboko Road.He said, “As I speak, the technical committee for rapid response to flooding, established by Governor Alia, is currently at the Wadata and Gaadi camps distributing food and other essential items to those affected.”“Residents impacted by the flooding have been given mattresses and food supplies. Continue Reading>>>

Today, numerous individuals in the Wadata and Gboko Road areas of Makurdi have been affected. We urge everyone living in flood-prone regions to promptly relocate to the camps to prevent further losses.”

“I mentioned earlier that the technical team is assessing the affected areas. However, it may take some time to determine the exact number of people affected by the flooding caused by the recent rainfall.”