Federal Govt warns 22 states, FCT of heavy rainfall, flooding

News Update

THE Federal Government has announced a forecast of heavy rainfall over the next five days, potentially causing flooding in 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This warning, released by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, urged residents in flood-prone areas, particularly near Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun, to evacuate due to increasing water levels.

Communities in these states are advised to prepare for possible flooding between October 14 and 18, 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).

The other identified states are 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); the FCT (Kubwa, Gwagwalada, Bwari); Kano State (Sumaila); Oyo State (Kishi); Sokoto State (Silame); and Zamfara State (Majara).

It added, “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.”