FG predicts five-day downpour in 15 states

The Federal Government has predicted heavy rains in 15 states across 35 locations in the country.

The prediction was issued by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment on Tuesday.

The prediction showed that the identified locations and their environs are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flood within the period of prediction from September 24 to 28, 2024.

The identified states are locations are “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).”

Others are “Katsina State (Bindawa, Daura, Funtua, Bakori); Nasarawa State (Ado, Aso, Mararaba); Adamawa State (Demsa); Jigawa State (Gwaram); Kogi State (Ibaji); Kano State (Kunchi, Sumaila); and Gombe State (Nafada).”

The centre urged relevant stakeholders to take note.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has urged the Rivers Government to construct emergency shelters that will provide accommodations for flood victims in the state.

The South-South Zonal Coordinator, Adebiyi Razak, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency recently warned of impending flooding in 11 states following the gradual release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.

Razak stated that the emergency shelters would serve as a temporary refuge for Internally Displaced Persons during the anticipated flooding.

“The IDP camps should be built on safer and higher grounds. Provisions should be made for food, medications and other essential items,” he said.

The NEMA official said there was an immediate need to clear the drainage channels and natural water channels to ensure proper channeling of water.

“Early warning information should be disseminated in local dialects to ensure effective enlightenment at the grassroots,” Razak urged.

The state coordinator commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for establishing a nine-member flood committee tasked with coordinating emergency response and managing the effect of the incident.

He urged the committee, led by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, to take prompt action to mitigate the impact of the incident.

NAN reports that states predicted to be impacted by the water release are Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba and Rivers.

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