By Bridget- Ikyado Tikyaa
About five communities and farms along the banks of River Benue in Makurdi have been submerged.
The areas affected are , Rice Mill, Wadata, Iniongun, Gaadi, Kucha Utebe, BSU, Fiidi.
Abraham Aondo reports that victims have started relocating to designated camps at NKST primary school, Wadata, Makurdi International Market, Gaadi Comprehensive Secondary school among others.
The flood disaster followed the release of water from the Lagdo Dam and the recent increase in rain fall.
At the moment, residents who were initially reluctant about heeding to the early warning alert by Nimet and Benue State Emergency Management Agency to move to the designated camps have been seen leaving with their belongings.
A resident, Hyacinth Gwegwu of Rice Mill Wadata told our Correspondent that he woke up only to discover that his property in the flood water.
Mr Gwergwe suggested the expansion of the camps to accommodate everyone that has been displaced.
A community leader in Iniongun, Sati Ikyaa called for construction of drainage channels in the area as a way of mitigating the impact of flood.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and chairman, State Technical Committee on 2024 flood preparedness, mitigation and response, Mr Aondowase Kunde who went out with the team which had the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Micheal Oglegba and Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management,Rev Fredrick Ikyaan to assess the affected areas said the Government and development partnersy were ready to cater for the victims.
Mr Kunde explained that other camps have been set up to receive the displaced population in Logo, Buruku, Tarka, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Gwer West, Agatu, Apa Local Government Areas.
The team had SEMA, IOM and UNHCR team in support.
