ABUJA, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Flooding in central Nigeria has so far killed 14 people, local authorities confirmed Saturday, saying responders are working to rescue other victims.
Over 200 local divers have been deployed to several affected communities in the central state of Niger since Thursday, said Garba Salisu, head of the government-run emergency management agency.
Salisu told Xinhua that the flood which wreaked havoc in the state was caused by heavy rains which recently fell, mostly at night.
He said most victims of the flood were sleeping and helpless when it rained.
According to the official, there was no smooth flow of water due to indiscriminate dumping of refuse around the affected communities.
He said the state government has begun the relocation of people in the affected area to forestall further disaster.
