N-HYPPADEC sympathises with Kebbi, Niger flood victims

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has sympathised with farmers in Argungu Local Council and other parts of Kebbi and Niger States whose farm produce were destroyed by recent flood disaster.

In a statement issued in Minna by the Head, Press and Public Affairs of the commission, Nura Tanko Wakili, he described the incident as a very sad development capable of affecting the country’s drive to enhance sustainability and food security.

The statement added that the Commission’s Managing Director Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, noted with concern the effects of this development on the livelihoods of the affected communities and commended the Federal Government for its prompt response in setting aside N3 billion to support victims of the disaster.

It said the commission had earlier embarked on sensitisation campaigns through the mass media and advocacy visits which minimised the impact of the flood on riverine settlements, however, farmlands especially on the flood plains could not escape the natural disaster.

It further stated that the commission had reiterated the need for strict adherence to safety measures by the affected communities as predictions by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) of rising water levels on the Rivers Rima and Niger as well as a report of yet another rising water level on River Niger system by Niger Basin Authority (NBA), in Niamey Niger Republic, poses a serious threat of more flooding in days to come.

The statement explained that situation which is reported to be an update of the situation in Niamey is informed by upstream activities in both Niger and Mali flood waters which are expected to move gradually into Nigeria through Kebbi State.

It assured that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency NIHSA will continue to monitor the flood situation in the country and provide periodic updates to the general public accordingly

The N-HYPPADEC urged communities to be vigilant, listen to updates on radio and television stations and abide by instructions from relevant authorities on safety measures.