Severe weather warnings have been issued by the Federal Government, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall and potential flooding in approximately 48 towns spanning 13 states from September 13th to September 17th, 2023.
These alerts are based on predictions from the National Flood Early Warning Systems Central Hub, an entity under the Federal Ministry of Environment. Residents residing near the River Benue and River Niger, extending to Bayelsa State, have been advised to take precautionary measures due to expected increases in water levels in these rivers.
The affected states include Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Bauchi, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Jigawa, and Gombe. The report specifies the following locations and their environs as vulnerable to heavy rainfall and potential flooding during this period:
– Kano State: Sumaila, Kunchi
– Kebbi State: Argungu
– Katsina State: Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina
– Niger State: Kontagora, Mashegu, New Bussa
– Kwara State: Kosubosu
– Zamfara State: Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi
– Bauchi State: Bajoga, Darazo, Kirfi, Azare, Jama‘are, Itas, Misau
– Taraba State: Beli, Donga, Lau, Serti, Mutum-Biyu, Yorro
– Borno State: Briyel, Biu, Dikwa, Kukawa, Bama
– Adamawa State: Ganye, Mubi, Demsa, Jimeta, Mayo Belwa, Numan, Shelleng, Song
– Yobe State: Dapchi, Gashua, Geidam, Kanamma, Machina, Potiskum
– Gombe State: Nafada
– Jigawa State: Dutse, Gumel, Gwaram, Miga
The Federal Government emphasises the need for feedback from relevant stakeholders and state government representatives to enhance response efforts.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, recently emphasised the government’s commitment to mitigating flood-related challenges caused by heavy rainfall and water release from dams and rivers.
He encouraged Nigerians to adhere to the recommendations of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency in order to minimise the impact of floods. The government is actively exploring strategies to address these concerns.
