N2.51 trillion was lost to the 2012 flood disaster in 2012, according to Alhaji Muhammed Sidi, Director General of thr National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Sidi gave the figure on Tuesday in Asaba, Delta State at the South-South Zonal Flood Awareness Campaign for Non-Governmental,
Community and Faith-based Organisations and government agencies organised by NEMA and the Delta State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Sidi said that the amount was the “estimated combined value” of the damage and losses suffered by people, communities and organisations in the region during the period the flooding lasted.
According to the D-G, who was represented by Mr. Emenike Umesi, NEMA Zonal Coordinator, South-South, the total value of losses on economic activities alone is estimated at N1.1 trillion.
He said that 363 deaths were recorded while seven million people were affected with 2.3 million people displaced and 597, 476 houses damaged.
The flood marked a watershed in the nation’s disaster management apparatus as it tested the country’s contingency plans “at every front,’’ he said.
Although the impact of the flooding was enormous, it brought all stakeholders together “as never before to address the consequences of the flood.’’
“If experiences of last year’s flooding are anything to go by, then the 2013 seasonal rainfall predictions by Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) and the National Flood Outlook for Nigeria by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency must be taken seriously,’’ he said.
