[ 2011-08-28 ]

Flooding kills 20 in southwestern Nigeria
LAGOS (AFP) - Heavy rains that caused a dam to
overflow in southwestern Nigeria and led to houses
being submerged has killed 20 people and displaced
thousands, an emergency management agency
spokesman said on Sunday.

"Twenty confirmed dead," said Yushau Shuaib of the
flooding in the city of Ibadan. "A dam overflowed
its boundary ... It's a very serious situation."

The floods resulted from heavy rains that began on
Friday. Rubbish and other debris blocking
waterways prevented water from properly flowing
after the dam overtopped, said Shuaib.

Local media reports spoke of thousands displaced.
Shuaib said it was impossible to get a headcount
on the displaced for the time being, but that it
was "definitely in the thousands."

Bridges reportedly collapsed in the flooding that
also left cars submerged. Rescue workers were
assessing the situation and seeking to assist
those affected.

Flooding occurs each rainy season in Nigeria,
though emergency officials have warned of
particularly intense rains this year. The rainy
season typically runs from around April to
September.

Source - AFP

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