In a recent announcement, the Federal Government has issued a warning of potentially heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding in 48 towns across 13 states, spanning from September 13 to September 17, 2023.
This alert comes as the water levels of River Benue and River Niger are expected to rise significantly, posing a threat to communities along their banks, extending up to Bayelsa State.
Residents in these areas are urged to take precautionary measures to safeguard themselves and their properties.
This critical information was revealed in the flood prediction report, which was released by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Central Hub of the Federal Ministry of Environment and subsequently made available to the public in Abuja.
The states at risk of being affected by heavy rainfall and potential flooding include Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Bauchi, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Jigawa, and Gombe.
According to the report, the following towns and their surroundings are most likely to experience heavy rainfall and possible flooding during the specified period:
In 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 report also highlighted the heightened water levels of River Benue and River Niger, extending to Bayelsa State, prompting a call for residents along these rivers to take immediate precautionary measures.
The Federal Government emphasized the importance of feedback from relevant stakeholders and state government representatives in managing and addressing this impending threat effectively.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasized the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding.
He encouraged Nigerians to follow the recommendations of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency to minimize the effects of these natural disasters, underscoring ongoing efforts to tackle this recurring challenge.
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