The Federal Government has issued a warning of heavy rainfall that may result in flooding in approximately 48 towns across 13 states from September 13 to September 17, 2023.
The government’s prediction highlights concerns about rising water levels in the River Benue and River Niger, which could affect communities along these rivers up to Bayelsa State. Residents in these areas have been advised to take precautionary measures.
This flood prediction report was released by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Central Hub of the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja.
The 13 states expected to be affected include Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Bauchi, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Jigawa, and Gombe.
According to the report, the following locations and their surroundings are likely to experience heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding during the specified 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 report also emphasized the importance of communities along the River Benue and River Niger, up to Bayelsa State, taking precautionary measures due to the rising water levels.
The government requested feedback from relevant stakeholders and state government representatives to enhance flood preparedness and response efforts.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing flood-related challenges caused by heavy rainfall and water releases from dams and rivers. He urged Nigerians to implement recommendations from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency to mitigate flood effects. The government is actively working to address these issues.
