The Federal Government has forecast five days of heavy rainfall, expected to cause flooding in 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This warning was issued on Monday by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment. The report advised communities located along the flood plains of the Donga, Benue, and Ogun rivers to evacuate, as rising water levels pose significant flood risks.
The rainfall, predicted to occur between October 14 and October 18, 2024, is expected to affect several states and areas. Some of the states at risk include Osun (Ede, Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Osogbo); Delta (Escravos); Cross River (Ikom); Anambra (Onitsha); and Taraba (Donga, Ibi, Wukari, and several other communities). Other affected states are Nasarawa, Kebbi, Gombe, Katsina, Borno, Kaduna, Niger, Yobe, Adamawa, Kogi, Kwara, Bauchi, Plateau, Kano, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara. The Federal Capital Territory is also expected to experience heavy rainfall, with areas such as Kubwa, Gwagwalada, and Bwari listed as high-risk zones.
The centre emphasized that residents of these areas should be prepared for potential flooding, especially those residing on flood plains. It urged the affected communities to prioritize their safety by evacuating to safer grounds.
In addition to the rainfall forecast, the centre highlighted the increasing water levels in Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun. Communities near these rivers are advised to be particularly vigilant and relocate as a precaution against possible flooding.
