Heavy Rainfall; Federal Govt warns of five-day flood risk for 22 States
The Federal Government has announced that 94 towns in 22 States are at risk of a five-day flood starting on Tuesday, July 16, and ending on July 20, 2024.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, disclosed this to The PUNCH on Tuesday. He explained that heavy rainfall is expected in the identified areas, which may lead to flooding during this period.
He listed the concerned states as Adamawa State (Gbajili, Ganye); Abia State (Eziama, Arochukwu); Anambra State (Onitsha); Akwa Ibom (Uyo, Upenekang, Oron, Edor, Eket, Obianga, Etinan); Bauchi State (Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi); Bayelsa State (Letugbene); Borno State (Maiduguri); Cross River State (Ikom, Calabar, Itigidi, Akpap); Nasarawa State (Udeni, Tunga); and the Federal Capital Territory (Abaji, Bwari).
Other are Jigawa State (Miga, Ringim, Dutse, Hadejia); Kano State (Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Wudil, Sumaila); Kebbi State (Gwandu, Jega, Kangiwa, Gauri-Banza, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Kamba, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Argungu, Bagudo); Katsina State (Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura, Funtua); Kwara State (Kosubosu); Niger State (Ibi, Bida, Kontagora, Mashegu, Minna, New Bussa, Katcha, Rijau, Wushishi); Plateau State (Jos, Mangu); Rivers State (Port-Harcourt, Onne, Okrika, Bori); Sokoto State (Makira, Goronyo, Isa, Silame, Sokoto, Wamako); Taraba State (Gembu, Beli, Garkowa, Gasol, Serti, Donga, Duchi, Gwarzo, Gun gun Bodel); Yobe State (Gashua, Gasma, Damaturu, Geidam, Kanama); and Zamfara State (Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum, Majara, Gummi).
Dr. Salako urged stakeholders to take measures to mitigate the impact of the flooding.
Regarding the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, Dr. Salako clarified that the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is responsible for managing dams and would inform his ministry if any issues arise.
In preparation for potential flooding, the Sokoto State government announced its readiness to avert flooding. Commissioner for Information Sambo Danchadi stated that the Sokoto Emergency Management Agency is working diligently to maintain a safe environment. Director of Relief and Rehabilitation Mustapha Umar added that the agency has conducted awareness programs and developed an evacuation plan, which has been submitted to the National Emergency Management Agency.
Additionally, the Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control is continuing efforts to clear natural drains in Yenagoa and surrounding areas. Chairman Walson Omuso mentioned that higher ground locations are being prepared for makeshift relief camps. However, the agency is not taking new actions specifically in response to the recent flood warning from the Federal Ministry of Environment.
