from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – AT LEAST 20 people have died following heavy rains in the two West African nations of Cabo Verde and Nigeria in recent days.
Aid agencies report that at least 11 have died in Afikpo local government area of Ebonyi state, south-eastern Nigeria.
No less than five people are missing, and a total of 800 people affected.
Farmlands have been submerged.
Additional rain and thunderstorms are forecast over Afikpo in the coming days.
According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), as of the time of reporting, nine people have died in São Vicente and Santo Antão Islands, north-western Cabo Verde.
Five are reported missing and 1 500 displaced.
In addition, buildings and roads have been damaged.
Cabo Verde is an island country and archipelagic state of West Africa.
The inclement weather is blamed on climate change. Flooding is also worsening the outbreak of water borne diseases especially cholera.
– CAJ News