The Federal Government has predicted heavy rains in 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The two predictions were issued separately by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The predictions obtained by our correspondent on Monday were from August 30 to September 2, 2024; and September 2 to 3, 2024.
The first flood prediction stated that the identified locations and their environs are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flood within the prediction period from August 30 to September 3, 2024.
The states predicted to experience heavy rainfall are Adamawa State (Mubi, Shelleng Demsa, Numan, Song); Bauchi State (Azare, Jama’are, Itas, Misau); Borno State (Biu, Mallam Fatori, Damasak, Kukawa); Gombe State (Nafada); Jigawa State (Hadejia, Miga, Dutse, Gumel, Ringim, Diginsa); Kaduna State (Kachia); Kano State (Wudil, Sumaila, Kunchi, Kano, Karaye, Gwarzo, Bebeji, Tudun Wada, Gezawa); Katsina State (Bakori, Bindawa, Funtua, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura).
Other states are Kebbi State (Sakaba, Argungu, Gwandu); Plateau State (Shendam, Langtang, Wase); Rivers State (Port Harcourt); Niger State (Ibi, New Bussa); Sokoto State (Gada, Goronyo, Isa, Makira, Wamakko, Gagawa, Shagari, Silame, Sokoto); Taraba State (Bolleri , Bandawa, Dampar, Ngaruwa, Serti, Donga, Takum); Yobe State (Jakusko, Dapchi , Damasak , Geidam, Gashua, Machina, Gasma); and Zamfara State (Anka, Bukkuyum, Bungudu, Gummi, Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Majara, Maradun, Shinkafi).
In addition to the earlier forecast of 25th August 2024, the ministry predicted other locations and their environs are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flood from September 2-3, 2024.
The predicted states and environs are Bauchi State (Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi, Jemaa, Kafin Madaki) Borno State (Ngala); Gombe State (Bajoga), Jigawa State (Gwaram); Kaduna State (Jaji, Kauru, Kafanchan, Zaria); Kebbi State (Kalgo, Birnin Kebbi, Gauri – Banza); Plateau State (Mangu, Bukuru, Jos); Niger State (Lapai, Suleja); Sokoto State (Gagawa); Taraba State (Kambari, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gun gun Bodel, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu); Yobe State (Kanamma, Damaturu, Potiskum); Kogi State (Omala, Abejukolo, Zugbe); Nasarawa State (Rukubi, Ado, Aso, Mararaba, Agima, Gidan Dogo, Keffi, Lafia, Loko, Odogbo, Wamba, Tunga, Udeni).
Others are Ebonyi State (Abakaliki, Echara, Ezilo); Benue State (Abinsi, Agaku, Agyo, Buruku, Gbajimba, Gboko, Gogo, Igumale, Katsina-Ala, Makurdi, Mbapa, Otobi, Otukpo, Udoma, Ugba, Ugbokolo, Ugbokpo, Ukpiam); Enugu State (Nsukka) the FCT (Abuja CBD, Asokoro, Bwari, Damagaza, Garki I and II, Guzape, Gwarinpa, Kubwa, Kuje, Kukwaba, Kurudu, Lokogoma, Lugbe, Mabushi, Maitama, Nyanya, Wuse I and II), and Cross River State (Obubra).
Adding, the ministry added, “Due to the rise in the water level of River Niger, communities downstream of Jebba are advised to evacuate. Relevant stakeholders should take note.”
On Sunday, the National Emergency Management Agency said the fatalities caused by severe flooding in Nigeria rose to 192 across 29 states.
The flooding is caused by unprecedented rainfall and the rising Niger and Benue rivers.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
