The Nigerian Government Issues Flash Flood Warning for Multiple States
The Nigerian Government has issued a flash flood warning for several states, including Kano, Sokoto, Delta, and 11 others. In a press statement from the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) Central Hub, Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja, it was revealed that heavy rainfall between July 4 and 8, 2023, could result in forecasted flooding.
The statement highlights the areas prone to floods within a five-day period, including Langtang and Shendam in Plateau State, Sumaila and Tudun Wada in Kano State, Shagari, Goronyo, and Silame in Sokoto State, Okwe in Delta State, and Kachia in Kaduna State. Additional areas at risk include Upenekang in Akwa Ibom State, Mubi, Demsa, Song, Mayo-Belwa, Jimeta, and Yola in Adamawa State, Katsina, Jibia, Kaita, and Bindawa in Katsina State, Wara, Yelwa, and Gwandu in Kebbi State, Shinkafi and Gummi in Zamfara State, Briyel in Borno, Gwaram in Jigawa State, Jebba in Kwara State, and Mashegu and Kontagora in Niger State.
The statement urges relevant stakeholders to take precautionary measures to prevent loss of lives and property. This warning aligns with the House of Representatives’ call in June for federal and state governments to initiate sensitization and mitigation efforts to address potential flood disasters.
The lawmakers expressed concerns about the country’s susceptibility to flooding, as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) in January 2023. The government was also urged to implement palliative and intervention measures to minimize the impact of the floods. Additionally, the Nigeria National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been invited to brief the House on the existing measures put in place to alleviate the effects of the floods.