The federal government through the Federal Ministry of Environment has predicted possible flooding in seven states and 25 locations across Nigeria.
Severe rains to cause flooding in 7 states
The ministry, in its flood alert issued on Saturday, August 3, warned that heavy rainfall expected between August 23 and 24 could lead to flooding in the listed areas.
The alert was signed by the director of the erosion, flood and coastal zone management department, Usman Bokani.
As reported by The Punch, he further directed residents of communities along the flood plain from Jebba to Lokoja to evacuate immediately as the River Niger’s water level continues to rise. “Due to the rise in the water level of River Niger, communities on the flood plain from Jebba to Lokoja are advised to evacuate,” he said.
List of the states to be affected
The states and communities expected to be affected include;
1. Benue State (Abinsi, Agyo, Gbajimba, Gogo, Makurdi, Mbapa, Otobi, Otukpo, Udoma, Ukpiam);
2. Borno State (Briyel, Dikwa, MaiduKamba;
3. Gombe State (Bajoga, Dogon Ruwa, Gombe, Nafada);
4. Kebbi State (Gwandu, Jega, Kamba);
5. Nasarawa State (Agima, Keana, Keffi, Odogbo, Rukubi);
6. Niger State (Lapai); and
7. Yobe State (Gashua, Gasma, Potiskum).
States to experience flooding
Recall that the Federal Government earlier predicted a heavy rainfall that would last for a period of five days and may lead to flooding in 19 states and 76 locations in the country.
This warning was disclosed in a statement by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment on Tuesday, August 5, asking stakeholders and residents to immediately take precautionary measures.
The warning came amid the devastating flood that struck Gombe and Ogun state on Tuesday, August 5. The disaster also affected four other states, which were Anambra, Lagos, Delta and Plateau.
FG predicts 3-day thunderstorms in over 10 states
Meanwhile, Legit.com reported that on August 14, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) issued a comprehensive weather outlook predicting thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across various regions of Nigeria for three days.
The forecast, released on Wednesday in Abuja, highlighted a heightened risk of flooding in several states.
According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains were expected on Thursday across parts of Borno, Kebbi, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, and Taraba States.
