FG WARNS OF IMMINENT FLOODING IN LAGOS, 13 OTHER STATES

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By: Sefiu Ajape

The Federal Government has again warned of possible flooding in Lagos, Adamawa, and 12 other states.

In a flood prediction issued Tuesday by the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, heavy rainfall is expected between September 16 and 18 across 14 states and 52 communities.

The forecast, obtained by HOTJIST, was signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani.

According to the ministry, the states and communities likely to be affected include Akwa Ibom (Upenekang, Eket, Edor, Oron, Ikot Abasi, Ikot-Ekpene, Etinan, Uyo, Obianga); Anambra (Ogbakuba, Nnewi); Adamawa (Yola, Wuro Bokki, Farkumo, Jimeta); Cross River (Akpap, Calabar); and Bayelsa (Amasoma, Ikpidiama, Kalama, Yenagoa, Peremabiri, Sagbama, Oporoma, Odoni, Otuoke, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, and Oliobiri).

Others are Delta (Patani, Asaba, Abari, Escravos, Umuochi Utchi); Kaduna (Kachia, Kauru); Kebbi (Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo); Katsina (Bakori); Rivers (Ahoada, Bonny, Itu, Bori); Imo (Egbema, Oguta); Sokoto (Argungu, Gagawu, Silame); Ondo (Igbokoda, Ore, Okitipupa); and Lagos (Epe).

The alert comes three days after the government earlier cautioned residents of Adamawa and 10 other states, particularly those living around the River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger floodplains, to evacuate immediately.

Adamawa is already experiencing the impact, with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirming heavy rainfall in Yola and nearby communities on Tuesday.

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The downpour, which began around 4 a.m., lasted until noon, triggering severe flash flooding in 13 communities across Yola North and Yola South LGAs.

NEMA said via its X handle: “NEMA rapid-response teams, alongside the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Federal and State Fire services, and local emergency response personnel and volunteer rescue units, carried out search and rescue missions in flood-affected communities to locate and rescue stranded residents.

“Vulnerable households, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, were safely evacuated from high-risk areas to designated temporary shelters and safe locations.”

The agency added that assessments of damage to property, infrastructure, and humanitarian needs were ongoing.

In Lagos, which faced heavy downpours last week, residents remain on high alert.

Motorists and commuters were stranded along Ikorodu Road after last Monday’s rains led to severe flooding from Anthony to Odo-Iyalaro Bridge.