Boat Capsizes In Flooded River In Nigeria; 76 Killed

85 people were in the overloaded boat!

On Sunday, almost everyone on board a boat died when it capsized in a flood-swollen river in Nigeria's Anambra state, President Muhammadu Buhari said.

On Friday, An estimated 85 people were taking the overloaded boat when flooding of the Niger River caused it to tip over.

"The boat reportedly carrying 85 persons capsized following rising floods in the Ogbaru area of the state, with emergency services confirming a total death of 76," Buhari's office quoted him as saying.

He ordered the emergency services to provide relief to the victims.

"I pray for the repose of the souls of the victims and for everyone's safety, as well as the well-being of the family members of the victims of this tragic accident," he added.

Earlier on Sunday, the emergency services said rising water level was hampering rescue efforts.

"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.

He said the flooding was the worst the country has seen in years, with the water level around one-tenth higher than a decade ago.

Anambra state governor Charles Soludo urged residents of flood-ravaged areas to relocate. Government will 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 in this," Soludo said in a statement.