By Mario Deepromoter
The Federal Government has issued a warning predicting heavy rainfall across 15 states, covering 35 locations, from September 24 to 28, 2024.
This announcement was made by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment.
According to the prediction, the following states and areas are at risk of flooding due to heavy rains:
Delta State: Abraka, Agbor, Okpo-Krika, Umukwata, Umugboma, Aboh
Edo State: Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, Ilushi, Sabongidda-Ora, Uromi
Taraba State: Gembu
Kwara State: Ilorin
Kaduna State: Kauru
Kebbi State: Ribah
Zamfara State: Majara
Niger State: Mashegu, Kontagora, Lapai, Rijau, Sarkin-Pawa
Katsina State: Bindawa, Daura, Funtua, Bakori
Nasarawa State: Ado, Aso, Mararaba
Adamawa State: Demsa
Jigawa State: Gwaram
Kogi State: Ibaji
Kano State: Kunchi, Sumaila
Gombe State: Nafada
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged stakeholders to be prepared and called on the Rivers State Government to construct emergency shelters for flood victims.
Adebiyi Razak, NEMA’s South-South Zonal Coordinator, emphasized the need for these shelters to provide temporary refuge for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in anticipation of flooding.
Razak also called for urgent clearing of drainage systems and dissemination of early warning messages in local languages to ensure grassroots awareness.
He commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for setting up a flood response committee to manage emergency efforts in Rivers State.
Additionally, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has warned of potential flooding in 11 states due to water releases from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, further heightening flood risks in Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Rivers States.