76 Killed After Boat Capsizes In Flooded River In Nigeria

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 Sunday.

President Muhammadu Buhari said, on Sunday, that all those on board a boat died when it capsized in a flooded river in Nigeria's Anambra state.

An estimated 85 people were on the overcrowded boat on Friday when the Niger River flood caused it to capsize.

Buhari's office quoted him as saying that "the boat carrying 85 people capsized after the flood level rose in Ogbaru district of the state, and emergency services confirmed that the total death toll was 76."

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

"I pray for the comfort of the souls of the victims, the safety of all and the well-being of the families of the victims of this tragic accident," he added.

Earlier on Sunday, emergency services said rising waters were hampering rescue efforts.

"The water level is too high and too dangerous for a smooth search and rescue operation," Thykman Tanemo, coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) told AFP.

The floods were the worst the country had seen in years, he said, with the water level rising about a tenth of what it was a decade ago.

NEMA has requested the Nigerian Air Force to provide helicopters for the rescue operation.

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludu urged residents of the flood-hit areas to relocate, adding that the government would provide relief to those affected by the disaster.

“This development continues to be a shock to the government and the kind people of Anambra State

. "I sympathize with the families of the people involved," Soludo said in a statement.

Boat accidents occur regularly in Nigeria due to overloading, speeding, poor maintenance and disregard of navigation rules.

Since the beginning of the rainy season,

Floods have devastated much of the West African country of more than 200 million people.

Emergency services reported that more than 300 people were killed and at least 100,000 people were displaced.

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