Expect More Flooding, FG Warns

The Federal Government has alerted states and local governments to prepare for increased flooding as the peak of the rainy season approaches.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, issued the warning during a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

He emphasized the need for precautionary measures to prevent potential disasters.

Utsev mentioned that states had been notified following the recent 2024 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.

State governors received detailed forecasts and specific preventative measures for their regions.

“Significant flood risks have been identified in 148 local government areas across 31 states, including Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, and Anambra,” he said.

The outlook indicates heightened flood risks from April to November, with the most severe flooding expected between July and September.

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“Over 10 states and the FCT have already experienced varying levels of flooding since April, resulting in casualties and property damage. Notable incidents include the flooding in Trademore Estate, FCT, which led to two deaths and significant property loss,” Utsev added.

He stressed the importance of flood prevention measures such as clearing blocked drainage systems, relocating residents from flood-prone areas, and constructing flood barriers.

Utsev also warned that increased rainfall could worsen the ongoing cholera outbreak, which has caused 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected cases.

The government will continue efforts to construct buffer dams alongside the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon to mitigate flood risks.

NIHSA’s 2024 Annual Flood Outlook identifies 148 local government areas across 31 states at high risk of flooding. The affected states include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.

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