FG forecasts five-day heavy rainfall in 21 states

The Federal Government has predicted five days of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flooding in 21 states and 123 locations.

The flood prediction, obtained on Thursday by PUNCH Online from the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, also warned communities downstream of the River Benue to evacuate the area.

The centre indicated that the identified locations and their surroundings are likely to experience rainfall that could result in flooding from September 4 to 8, 2024.

The states and locations affected include Adamawa State (Mubi, Shelleng, Demsa, Numan, Song, Wuro Bokki, Natubi, Mayo Belwa, Jimeta, Gbajili, Ganye, Farkumo, Abba Kumbo), Benue State (Udoma, Ugbokpo, Ugbokolo, Ukpiam, Otobi, Otukpo, Mbapa, Makurdi, Gbajimba, Gogo, Abinsi), Bauchi State (Azare, Jama’are, Itas, Misau, Tafawa-Balewa), Kogi State (Ugwalawo, Idah, Ibaji, Wara, Omala, Bassa, Ajaokuta), Borno State (Biu, Maiduguri, Briyel), Nasarawa State (Ado, Mararaba, Udeni, Rukubi, Ajima, Odogbo), Gombe State (Nafada, Gombe, Bajoga), Kwara State (Kosubosu, Kaiama), Jigawa State (Dutse, Gumel, Ringim), Oyo State (Kishi).

Other states include Kaduna State (Kachia, Zaria, Kauru, Jaji), Edo State (Udochi, Agenebode), Kano State (Sumaila, Kunchi, Karaye, Gwarzo, Bebeji, Tudun Wada), Katsina State (Bakori, Bindawa, Funtua, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura), Kebbi State (Ribah, Argungu, Gwandu, Yelwa, Saminaka, Jega, Bunza), Plateau State (Mangu), Niger State (Ibi, New Bussa, Mashegu, Kontagora, Lavun, Rijau, Magama, Lapai, Katcha, Bida), Sokoto State (Isa, Makira, Gagawa, Shagari, Silame, Goronyo), Taraba State (Ngaruwa, Serti, Yorro, Natubi, Mutum Biyu, Kwata Kanawa, Lau, Kambari, Jalingo, Gun-Gun, Bodel, Gassol, Garkawa, Bandawa, Beli, Bolleri, Mayo Renewo, Duchi), Yobe State (Geidam, Potiskum, Dapchi, Damaturu), and Zamfara State (Bukkuyum, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun).

The authorities have warned that due to the increasing water level of the River Benue, communities downstream from Makurdi are advised to evacuate.