The Federal Government has forecasted a five-day period of heavy rainfall across 15 states in Nigeria, with potential flooding in 35 identified locations. The prediction, issued by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, spans from September 24 to 28, 2024.
Among the affected states are Kogi, Delta, Edo, Taraba, Kwara, Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano, and Gombe. In Kogi State, Ibaji is listed as one of the areas likely to be affected by the downpour, with the possibility of flooding.
According to the Centre, the states and locations likely to experience heavy rainfall include:
- 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
In response to the flood warnings, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on the Rivers State Government to establish emergency shelters for those who may be displaced by the impending floods. The South-South Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Adebiyi Razak, urged that these shelters be constructed on higher grounds and equipped with food, medical supplies, and other essentials.
Razak emphasized the importance of clearing drainage systems and water channels to minimize flooding risks. He also recommended that early warnings be disseminated in local languages to ensure widespread understanding at the grassroots level.
This advisory comes shortly after the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency warned of flooding in 11 states due to the gradual release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam. The states likely to be affected by the dam release include Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Rivers.
NEMA commended the Kogi State Government for its proactive steps, particularly the formation of a nine-member flood response committee led by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, to coordinate emergency response and manage the impact of the predicted floods.
