By Oluwatosin Maliki
On Wednesday, the Federal Government announced that heavy rainfall, which could lead to flooding, may affect approximately 48 towns in 13 states from September 13 to September 17, 2023.
It is predicted that the rise in water levels of River Benue and River Niger could impact communities along these rivers, extending up to Bayelsa State. Therefore, residents in these areas are advised to take precautionary measures.
This information was disclosed in the flood prediction report issued by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Central Hub of the Federal Ministry of Environment, which was made available to our correspondent in Abuja.
According to the report, the 13 states that may be affected include Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Bauchi, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Jigawa, and Gombe.
The report stated, “The following locations and their environs are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding within the period of prediction: 13th – 17th September 2023.
“In Kano State: Sumaila, Kunchi; Kebbi State: Argungu; Katsina State: Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina; Niger State: Kontagora, Mashegu, New Bussa; and Kwara State: Kosubosu.”
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The report also indicated that Zamfara State might experience heavy rainfall and flooding in Kaura Namoda and Shinkafi. Similarly, in Bauchi State, Bajoga, Darazo, Kirfi, Azare, Jama‘are, Itas, and Misau could be affected.
Towns listed for potential flooding in Taraba State include Beli, Donga, Lau, Serti, Mutum-Biyu, and Yorro. In Borno State, Briyel, Biu, Dikwa, Kukawa, and Bama were mentioned.
In Adamawa State, Ganye, Mubi, Demsa, Jimeta, Mayo Belwa, Numan, Shelleng, and Song were identified, while towns in Yobe State that may be affected include Dapchi, Gashua, Geidam, Kanamma, Machina, and Potiskum.
Only Nafada in Gombe State is expected to witness heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding during the review period, while in Jigawa State, Dutse, Gumel, Gwaram, and Miga might be affected.
The report also advised communities along River Benue and River Niger up to Bayelsa State to take precautionary measures due to the rising water levels in these rivers.
However, the agency emphasized the importance of feedback from relevant stakeholders and state government representatives.
On Tuesday, Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, had earlier stated that the Federal Government was making efforts to mitigate the impact of floods caused by heavy rainfall and the recent release of water from dams and rivers. He urged Nigerians to implement the recommendations of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency to reduce flood-related risks. The government is actively working on strategies to address the issue.