Massive flooding to hit seven states soon, says govt

The Federal Government has predicted five-day rainfall that may lead to flooding in 21 states and 123 locations.

It also listed seven states that will likely be severely affected.

They are Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa states.

The flood prediction obtained on Thursday by our correspondent from the office National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, also warned communities downstream of River Benue to take caution.

The FG said the identified locations and environs would likely witness rainfall that may lead to flood from September 4-8, 2024.

The states and locations are 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 are 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, Garkowa, Bandawa, Beli, Bolleri, Mayo Renewo, Duchi), Yobe State (Geidam, Potiskum, Dapchi, Damaturu), and Zamfara State (Bukkuyum, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun).

It added, “Further to our earlier alert and due to the rise in the water level of River Benue, communities downstream of River Benue from Makurdi are advised to take caution.”

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has advised states in the central and southern parts of the country to prepare ahead of potential floods that may soon affect communities downstream.

It also advised the states to clear blocked drainages, construct temporary flood barriers and evacuate from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

NEMA gave the advice in a press statement signed by its Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, on Thursday.

The flood alert advise stated, “Following the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger, NEMA advises states in the central and southern parts to prepare ahead of potential floods that may soon affect communities downstream.

“The advice has become imperative to activate the state, local government authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted, including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructure.

“Specifically, the states that are highly probable to the hazard in the next few weeks to come are Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa.

“Some of the actions to be taken include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.”

The agency also advised the communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and the Hydrological Services Agency.

“Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services.

“NEMA is working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in the agency’s headquarters to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations are available to affected communities,” it added.

The agency’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar emphasised the importance of early action and community vigilance.

She stated, “We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and take immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and property. Preparedness is key in reducing the impact of flooding.”