By Deborah Musa
The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the governments and peoples of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe following the tragic loss of lives in recent devastating floods.
As of Friday, the floods were reported to have claimed the lives of more than 100 people and displaced thousands across parts of Southern Africa after weeks of torrential rainfall that left entire communities cut off.
Weather services across the region have issued further alerts, raising fears of additional flooding.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, commiserated with the affected countries over the immense human and material losses caused by the floods, which have overwhelmed rivers, damaged roads and bridges, displaced large populations, and disrupted agricultural production and essential services.
The statement added, “Nigeria also notes 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.”
It further said Nigeria underscored the growing threat posed by climate-related extreme weather events across Africa, reiterating 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.
“Nigeria assures the affected countries of its continued goodwill and support and reaffirms its commitment to cooperation at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels in promoting disaster preparedness, humanitarian response and climate resilience,” the statement said.
Ebienfa added that the thoughts and prayers of the Government and people of Nigeria are with the governments and peoples of South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and all other affected countries during this difficult period.
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