The Federal Government has issued warnings of heavy rainfall across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to The PUNCH, the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment revealed that these predictions cover two distinct periods: from August 30 to September 2, 2024, and from September 2 to September 3, 2024.
The forecasts suggest that these areas may experience significant rainfall during these times, potentially leading to flooding.
The states predicted to experience heavy rainfall are Adamawa State (Mubi, Shelleng Demsa, Numan, Song); Bauchi State (Azare, Jama’are, Itas, Misau); Borno State (Biu, Mallam Fatori, Damasak, Kukawa); Gombe State (Nafada); Jigawa State (Hadejia, Miga, Dutse, Gumel, Ringim, Diginsa); Kaduna State (Kachia); Kano State (Wudil, Sumaila, Kunchi, Kano, Karaye, Gwarzo, Bebeji, Tudun Wada, Gezawa); Katsina State (Bakori, Bindawa, Funtua, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura).
Other states are Kebbi State (Sakaba, Argungu, Gwandu); Plateau State (Shendam, Langtang, Wase); Rivers State (Port Harcourt); Niger State (Ibi, New Bussa); Sokoto State (Gada, Goronyo, Isa, Makira, Wamakko, Gagawa, Shagari, Silame, Sokoto); Taraba State (Bolleri , Bandawa, Dampar, Ngaruwa, Serti, Donga, Takum); Yobe State (Jakusko, Dapchi , Damasak , Geidam, Gashua, Machina, Gasma); and Zamfara State (Anka, Bukkuyum, Bungudu, Gummi, Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Majara, Maradun, Shinkafi).
In addition to the forecast issued on August 25, 2024, the ministry has predicted that other locations and their surrounding areas will likely experience heavy rainfall, which may result in flooding, from September 2 to September 3, 2024.
The predicted states and environs are Bauchi State (Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi, Jemaa, Kafin Madaki) Borno State (Ngala); Gombe State (Bajoga), Jigawa State (Gwaram); Kaduna State (Jaji, Kauru, Kafanchan, Zaria); Kebbi State (Kalgo, Birnin Kebbi, Gauri – Banza); Plateau State (Mangu, Bukuru, Jos); Niger State (Lapai, Suleja); Sokoto State (Gagawa); Taraba State (Kambari, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gun gun Bodel, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu); Yobe State (Kanamma, Damaturu, Potiskum); Kogi State (Omala, Abejukolo, Zugbe); Nasarawa State (Rukubi, Ado, Aso, Mararaba, Agima, Gidan Dogo, Keffi, Lafia, Loko, Odogbo, Wamba, Tunga, Udeni).
Others are Ebonyi State (Abakaliki, Echara, Ezilo); Benue State (Abinsi, Agaku, Agyo, Buruku, Gbajimba, Gboko, Gogo, Igumale, Katsina-Ala, Makurdi, Mbapa, Otobi, Otukpo, Udoma, Ugba, Ugbokolo, Ugbokpo, Ukpiam); Enugu State (Nsukka) the FCT (Abuja CBD, Asokoro, Bwari, Damagaza, Garki I and II, Guzape, Gwarinpa, Kubwa, Kuje, Kukwaba, Kurudu, Lokogoma, Lugbe, Mabushi, Maitama, Nyanya, Wuse I and II), and Cross River State (Obubra).
Adding, the ministry added, “Due to the rise in the water level of River Niger, communities downstream of Jebba are advised to evacuate. Relevant stakeholders should take note.”
On Sunday, the National Emergency Management Agency reported that severe flooding in Nigeria has resulted in 192 fatalities across 29 states.
This flooding has been attributed to unprecedented rainfall and the rising levels of the Niger and Benue rivers.
