Nigeria Commiserates With South African Countries Over Flood Disasters

The Nigerian government has expressed condolences to the government and people of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe following the recent devastating floods that have claimed the lives of over 100 persons and displaced thousands in some parts of Southern Africa.

A statement issued yesterday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria lamented the immense human and material losses arising from the floods, which have overwhelmed rivers, damaged roads and bridges, displaced large populations and disrupted agricultural production and essential services, following weeks of torrential rainfall.

Nigeria also noted with concern the secondary humanitarian impacts, including food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and the heightened vulnerability of women, children, and other at-risk populations.

“The Government of Nigeria expresses solidarity with the ongoing rescue, evacuation, and relief efforts being undertaken by national authorities, regional institutions, and international humanitarian partners. We also acknowledge the resilience and resolve of the affected countries as they respond to this natural disaster and begin the process of recovery and rebuilding.

“Nigeria further underscores the growing threat posed by climate-related extreme weather events across Africa. It reiterates the importance of strengthened regional cooperation, early-warning systems, climate adaptation strategies, and sustained international support to mitigate the humanitarian and developmental consequences of such disasters,” the statement said.

The government assured the affected countries of its continued goodwill and support. It reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation with affected countries at the bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels to promote disaster preparedness, humanitarian response and climate resilience.

“The thoughts and prayers of the government and people of Nigeria are with the governments and people of South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and all other affected countries during this difficult period,” the statement added.