The Federal Government has issued a critical warning of heavy rainfall and potential flooding across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory from October 14 to 18th, 2024 Communities in flood-prone areas, particularly along Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun, are advised to evacuate due to rapidly rising water levels The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre has identified specific regions at high risk, urging immediate preparedness to prevent widespread damage and loss.
In a grave forecast, the federal government has issued a warning for five days of heavy rainfall across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with potential for widespread flooding in affected regions.
This prediction, shared on Monday by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, calls for immediate action from communities in flood-prone areas.
22 states in Nigeria to be affected by heavy rainfall.
The forecast, covering October 14 to 18, 2024, identifies critical zones along Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun and urges residents to evacuate due to rising water levels.
22 states, including FCT to be affected the centre indicated that the identified locations and their surroundings are likely to experience rainfall that could result in flooding from October 14 to 18th, 2024.
The states and locations affected include:
Osun State: Ede, Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Osogbo
Delta State: Escravos
Cross River State: Ikom
Anambra State: Onitsha
Taraba State: Donga, Ibi, Wukari, Bandawa, Beli, Bolleri, Dampar, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gungun Bodel, Kambari, Kwata Kanawa, Lau, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu, Ngaruwa, Serti, Yorro
Nasarawa State: Rukubi
Kebbi State: Argungu, Birnin-Kebbi, Gwandu, Kalgo, Ribah, Sakaba, Yelwa
Gombe State: Bajoga
Katsina State: Bakori, Funtua
Borno State: Biu, Briyel
Kaduna State: Birnin-Gwari, Buruku, Kaduna, Jaji
Niger State: Bida, Kontagora, Lapai, Lavun, Magama, Mashegu, Mokwa, New Bussa, Rijau, Sarkin Pawa, Suleja, Wushishi
Yobe State: Dapchi
Adamawa State: Demsa, Farkumo, Ganye, Gbajili, Jimeta, Mayo-Belwa, Mubi, Natubi, Numan, Song, Shelleng, Wuro Bokki
Kogi State: Ibaji, Omala
Kwara State: Jebba, Kosubosu
Bauchi State: Kari, Tafawa Balewa, Kirfi
Plateau State: Shendam
Federal Capital Territory (FCT): Kubwa, Gwagwalada, Bwari
Kano State: Sumaila
Oyo State: Kishi
Sokoto State: Silame
Zamfara State: Majara
“Also, due to the rise in the water levels of Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun, communities on the flood plains of these rivers, as well as other flood plains, are advised to evacuate,” the statement read.