Stories by Mariyah Adamu, Abuja
Thirty-two locations in 11 states are at risk of flood across the country amid heavy rainfall expected between Sunday and Thursday, according to a fresh flood alert issued yesterday by the Federal Government.
The latest warning issued by National Flood Early Warning Centre, NFEWC, under the Federal Ministry of Environment covered Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Delta, Niger, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
On a state and location basis the NFEWC stated that thus: Adamawa – Ganye, Natubi; Benue – Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma, Ukpiam;
Nasarawa – Agima, Rukubi, Odogbo; Taraba – Beli, Serti, Donga; and Delta – Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh, Okpo-Krika.
Others are: Niger: – Rijau;
Kebbi – Ribah; Kano – Gwarzo, Karaye; Katsina: Jibia; Sokoto ,Makira; and
Zamfara ,Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka, Bungudu..
Besides, the centre stated that “Communities on the floodplains of River Gongola up to Numan, and those along the Benue and Niger riverbanks up to Lokoja, are strongly advised to evacuate immediately to safer areas”, pointing out that water levels at River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger have risen significantly, increasing the likelihood of overflow.
“This is a coordinated effort to save lives. All stakeholders must act quickly to reduce the impact of the impending flood disaster”, the NFEWC stated.
In this vein, failure to act could result in loss of lives, destruction of farmlands, and damage to infrastructure, especially as many states are still recovering from last year’s devastating floods
It then urged state and local governments as well as disaster response agencies to swing into action, provide early response, and sensitize residents on safety measures.
It urged relevant agencies to prepare evacuation centres, deploy rescue teams, and provide feedback to the federal government on mitigation efforts.
Recurring floodings nationwide have wreck havock including one incident in Zaria, State Kaduna following heavy rainfall between Thursday night and Friday morning resulting in the displacement of over 470 people and destroyed more than 270 houses.
