The rainy season in Nigeria has led to massive flooding from the regions two major rivers, resulting in the deaths of 100 people.
According to the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency officials say the Benue and Niger River were reaching levels similar to the flooding that took place in 2012 which killed 350 people. On Monday (Sept. 17) a state of emergency was declared which will allow for military mobilization and other resources to be given to the 12 states affected.
President Muhammadu Buhari allocated the equivalent to $8.2 million to assist with the damage and rescue efforts. Flooding is common in the region, however, it’s reported this year’s flooding has hit rural areas destroying homes and wiping out farms in the process.
In Lagos, Nigeria’s metropolis, flooding has brought the city to a standstill often times for hours or days on end, as many wait for the city to drain itself. The flooding happens across all parts of West Africa where streets are overwhelmed with water contaminated by sewage.
Local Nigerian television stations are reporting muddy waters have reached rooftops. Last year, hundreds were killed during a mudslide in Sierra Leone. Victims were reportedly buried in their home and in their cars.
Environmentalists have longed called for government officials for better maintenance of dams.
READ MORE: 7 Producers On The Global Spread of Afrobeat and Dancehall