The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in close coordination with the Government of Nigeria, is responding to severe flooding in Niger State, Nigeria, that has left more than 200 people dead and nearly 10,000 affected.
Triggered by heavy rainfall that began on 29 May, the floods have swept through several communities in north-central Nigeria, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.
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According to a joint rapid assessment conducted by IOM, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), more than 450 homes have been destroyed.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, over 180 hectares of farmland have been submerged, posing a serious threat to food security and livelihoods just as the lean season approaches.
“This tragedy has brought unimaginable loss to families who were already living in vulnerable conditions,” said Dimanche Sharon, IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria. “People have lost their loved ones, their homes, and their livelihoods. Our teams are on the ground, working closely with partners to deliver urgent, life-saving assistance. We are doing everything we can to reach those most in need and help communities begin to recover.”
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In response to the escalating needs, IOM has deployed multisectoral rapid response teams to the affected areas to support data collection, conduct initial damage assessments, and emergency response operations.
The Organization has begun distributing 1,000 emergency shelter kits and 500 non-food item packages to displaced families, supporting up to 1,000 families, with priority given to the most vulnerable.
In parallel, water and sanitation facilities in the affected communities are being assessed for urgent repairs to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
At the same time, IOM is working closely with government and humanitarian partners to support broader coordination efforts and carry out comprehensive needs assessments, ensuring a flexible and effective response across sectors.
This response comes at a crucial moment, as communities face mounting risks with the onset of the rainy season. The recent events in Niger State highlight the urgent need to strengthen early warning systems, raise community awareness, and invest in critical infrastructure such as riverbank reinforcement and proper drainage to reduce future risks of flooding.
“We must move beyond emergency response and focus on long-term solutions,” added Sharon. “Disaster preparedness and climate resilience must be central to our efforts, especially in areas already facing overlapping vulnerabilities.”
During humanitarian crises, IOM is consistently among the first responders, swiftly mobilizing resources, providing critical data to support the boarder humanitarian system, and coordinating with partners to deliver life-saving assistance, protection, and durable solutions for displaced and vulnerable populations.
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