Climate

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a flood warning for 48 towns across 13 states, as heavy rainfall is expected to continue from September 13 to September 17, 2023.

The ministry said the water levels of River Benue and River Niger could rise and affect communities along the rivers up to Bayelsa State in the south. It advised residents in these areas to take precautionary measures and prepare for possible evacuation. The states that are likely to be affected by flooding are Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Bauchi, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Jigawa and Gombe.

Northwest Zone

• In Kano State, towns such as Kano City and other urban areas are on alert.
• Kebbi State’s towns like Birnin Kebbi and Argungu are also at risk.
• Katsina State includes towns like Katsina and Daura, among others.
• Niger State, with its capital Minna, faces the risk of flooding.
• Zamfara State, including towns like Gusau, Tsafe, and Talata-Mafara, is also on high alert.

North Central Zone:

In Kwara State, towns like Ilorin and Offa are among those facing potential flooding.

Northeast Zone:

• Bauchi State, with towns like Bauchi City and Azare, is on alert.
• Taraba State includes towns like Jalingo and Wukari.
• Borno State, with its capital Maiduguri, faces the risk of flooding.
• Adamawa State includes towns like Yola and Jimeta.
• Yobe State, with towns like Damaturu and Potiskum, is also at risk.
• In Jigawa State, towns like Dutse and Hadejia are among those facing potential flooding.
• Gombe State includes towns like Gombe City and Billiri, which are on high alert.

The ministry also said it would appreciate feedback from relevant stakeholders and state government representatives on the situation

Nigeria has been experiencing heavy rains and floods in recent weeks, causing damage to homes, farms and infrastructure. According to the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the country is currently at the peak of its rainy season and more floods are expected in the coming months.

The agency has urged Nigerians to adhere to its recommendations and warnings to mitigate the effects of floods. It has also called for more collaboration between the federal and state governments to ensure adequate response and recovery efforts.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said on Tuesday that the government was working hard to curtail the impact of floods caused by rainfall and the release of water from dams and rivers.

He said the government was trying to find ways to harness the excess water for irrigation, power generation and other purposes.

He also said the government was committed to implementing the National Water Resources Master Plan, which aims to improve water management and security in the country.

Source: PUNCH