Nigeria: Boat Carrying 85 People Capsises In Flooded River

Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday said a boat carrying 85 people capsised in a flooded river in Nigeria’s Anambra state,

It is alleged that they were taking the overloaded boat on Friday when flooding of the Niger River caused it to tip over, AFP reported.

Buhari’s office quoted him as saying:

The boat reportedly carrying 85 persons capsized following rising floods in Ogbaru area of the state, with emergency services confirming a death toll of 76. I pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for everyone’s safety, as well as the well-being of the family members of the victims of this tragic accident.

He directed the emergency services to provide relief to the victims.

Earlier on Sunday, the emergency services said the rising water level was hampering rescue efforts.

It is reported that the flooding was the worst the country has seen in years, with the water level around one-tenth higher than a decade ago.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) requested the Nigerian Air Force provide helicopters for the rescue operation.

Anambra state governor Charles Soludo urged residents of flood-ravaged areas to relocate while adding that the government would provide relief to those affected by the disaster.

Boat accidents occur regularly in Nigeria because of overloading, speeding, poor maintenance and disregarding navigation rules.

Anambra is among the 29 of Nigeria’s 36 states to have experienced heavy flooding this year. The floodwaters have washed away homes, crops, and roads and impacted at least half a million people.

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