The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have issued separate statements warning residents in 11 local government areas across Niger State, the Federal Capital Territory, and neighboring states to prepare for possible flooding in the coming months.
Head of Minna Operations Office, Zhinab Sa’idu, warned the residents of Minna in a statement she issued in Minna, the state capital.
She said prediction revealed that Mokwa, Shiroro, Lavun and Borgu local government areas are in the category of high flood risk areas in the state and expected to experience high flooding within the months of July to November.
She said Edati, Gbako, Wushishi, Rafi, Mashegu, Magama and Agwara fell in the category of moderate flood-risk areas, saying that residents would experience high level of flood from July to November.
“It is pertinent to note that Niger State has already started experiencing flood and windstorm in some of these areas and hence the need for the people of the state to take serious precaution to avoid any further damage to properties and loss of lives,” she said.
She advised residents of the listed LGAs to ensure drainages are kept clean to avoid blockage of water ways and channels, adding that those living on flood plains and river banks should as a matter of urgency vacate the areas and relocate to higher and safer grounds.
“There is a strong sign that the water levels along River Niger is rising and this will consequently raise the water levels along its tributaries, therefore leading to an overflow of water on the river banks, which will have significant impact on the settlements around the rivers,” she said.
FEMA warns of heavy rainfall in FCT, nearby states
Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has warned that the FCT and other nearby states are expected to experience heavy to moderate rainfalls and flash floods on Saturday (today) and Sunday, July 23, 2023.
This was contained in a statement signed by FEMA’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, in Abuja, on Friday.
According to the statement, the warning followed a forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which predicted flash floods, strong winds and soil erosion in parts of Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau and Taraba States, and the FCT.
“The Federal Capital Territory and states contiguous with it are expected to experience heavy to moderate rainfall tomorrow. A statement by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency also anticipates moderate to heavy rains in parts of Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau and Taraba states,” the statement read in part.
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The impact-based weather forecast by NiMET predicts flash floods, riverine flooding, strong winds, soil erosion as well as thunder and lightning. The forecast also anticipates displacements of people due to floods, outbreaks of waterborne diseases and damages to infrastructure.
Similarly, NiMET impact-based weather forecast also anticipates low to moderate rainfall on Sunday, July 23, 2023, in parts of the FCT and its neighbouring States”
Reacting to the warnings, the statement also stated that the Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Agency, Dr.Abbas Idriss, “has placed the agency’s search and rescue teams on high alert” and that he had also “directed an update of the agency’s flood contingency plans”.
The DG also appealed to residents to heed the early warnings and “avoid driving or wading into a pool of water during the rains,” and to wait out the rains during heavy floods, or use an alternative route.
He emphasised the need for residents to always dial the 112 emergency toll-free number of the agency in the event of an emergency.
