A boat accident in Nigeria’s Anambra state left 76 dead and others injured after the boat capsized in a flooded river on Sunday.
Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari said the boat ferrying 85 people, which was more than its capacity, tipped over after the Niger river flooding.
“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,” Buhari’s said.
President Buhari went on to offer a condolence message to the deceased and their families.
“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 added.
Buhari directed emergency services to rescue survivors and look for the bodies.
The emergency services however said it was hard as the water levels in the Niger river was hindering the mission.
“The water level is very high and too risky for a smooth search and rescue operation,” Thickman Tanimu, the southeast coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) told AFP.
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.
“This development is still a shock to the government and good people of Anambra State. I sympathize with the families of people involved,” Soludo said in a statement.
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