By Garba Adamu Gwangwangwan
The Federal Government has issued a warning about an impending five-day period of heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding in several cities across 21 states of the country. The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, made this announcement on Thursday, stating that the downpours are expected between September 4 and 8, 2024.
The centre warned that these rains could trigger flooding in 123 locations across the affected states. In particular, communities located downstream of the River Benue were advised to evacuate immediately due to rising water levels that pose a significant flood risk.
The states likely to experience heavy rainfall and potential flooding include Adamawa, Benue, Bauchi, Kogi, Borno, Nasarawa, Gombe, Kwara, Jigawa, Oyo, Kaduna, Edo, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Some of the specific areas at risk are Mubi, Shelleng, Demsa, Numan, Song, Wuro Bokki, Natubi, Mayo Belwa, Jimeta, Gbajili, Ganye, Farkumo, Abba Kumbo, Udoma, Ugbokpo, Ugbokolo, Ukpiam, Otobi, Otukpo, Mbapa, Makurdi, Gbajimba, Gogo, Abinsi, Azare, Jama’are, Itas, Misau, Tafawa-Balewa, Ugwalawo, Idah, Ibaji, Wara, Omala, Bassa, Ajaokuta, Biu, Maiduguri, Briyel, Ado, Mararaba, Udeni, Rukubi, Ajima, Odogbo, Nafada, Gombe, Bajoga, Kosubosu, Kaiama, Dutse, Gumel, Ringim, Kishi, Kachia, Zaria, Kauru, Jaji, Udochi, Agenebode, Sumaila, Kunchi, Karaye, Gwarzo, Bebeji, Tudun Wada, Bakori, Bindawa, Funtua, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura, Ribah, Argungu, Gwandu, Yelwa, Saminaka, Jega, Bunza, Mangu, Ibi, New Bussa, Mashegu, Kontagora, Lavun, Rijau, Magama, Lapai, Katcha, Bida, Isa, Makira, Gagawa, Shagari, Silame, Goronyo, Ngaruwa, Serti, Yorro, Natubi, Mutum Biyu, Kwata Kanawa, Lau, Kambari, Jalingo, Gun-Gun, Bodel, Gassol, Garkawa, Bandawa, Beli, Bolleri, Mayo Renewo, Duchi, Geidam, Potiskum, Dapchi, Damaturu, Bukkuyum, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, and Maradun.
Authorities have urged residents in the identified areas to stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property, especially in communities with a high flood risk. The federal government continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
