News / Africa

Rainy Season Ravages Nigeria

People wade through a flood with their belongings after their houses were submerged in the Amassoma community in Bayelsa state, Nigeria, October 6, 2012. People wade through a flood with their belongings after their houses were submerged in the Amassoma community in Bayelsa state, Nigeria, October 6, 2012.
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People wade through a flood with their belongings after their houses were submerged in the Amassoma community in Bayelsa state, Nigeria, October 6, 2012.
People wade through a flood with their belongings after their houses were submerged in the Amassoma community in Bayelsa state, Nigeria, October 6, 2012.
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VOA News
Heavy rains have devastated parts of Nigeria, killing hundreds and forcing millions from their homes.

Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency says 363 people have died from flooding since the start of July through the end of October, in what has been one of the wettest rainy seasons in recent memory.

Officials said another 2.1 million people have been displaced.

The heavy rains and flooding have also taken a toll on Nigeria's economy, disrupting key industries.

Officials say the weather caused oil production to decline by about 500,000 barrels a day.  And an industry group blamed the rains for a less-than-expected cocoa harvest.

Crude oil and cocoa are key commodities, helping fuel Nigeria's almost $240-billion economy.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

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