The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a flood alert for 11 states in Nigeria, as heavy rainfall and flooding are expected to occur from 13th to 17th September 2023.
The flood alert was issued by the National Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) Central Hub, which monitors the weather and water levels in the country.
According to FEWS, the states that are likely to witness heavy rainfall and flooding are Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Bauchi, Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe. The following locations and their surroundings are particularly vulnerable to the flood risk:
- Kano State: Sumaila, Kunchi
- Kebbi State: Argungu
- Katsina State: Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina
- Niger State: Kontagora, Mashegu, New Bussa
- Kwara State: Kosubosu
- Zamfara State: Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi
- Bauchi State: Bajoga, Darazo, Kirfi, Azare, Jama ‘are., Itas, Misau
- Taraba State: Beli, Donga,Lau, Serti, Mutum-Biyu, Yorro
- Borno State: Briyel, Biu, Dikwa, Kukawa, Bama
- Adamawa State: Ganye, Mubi, Demsa, Jimeta, Mayo Belwa, Numan, Shelleng, Song
- Yobe State: Dapchi, Gashua, Geidam, Kanamma, Machina, Potiskum
- Gombe State: Nafada
- Jigawa State: Dutse, Gumel, Gwaram, Miga
FEWS also warned that communities along River Benue and River Niger up to Bayelsa state should take precautionary measures as the water levels of these rivers are rising. The agency advised the public to follow the weather forecasts and alerts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
The flood alert comes barely a week after NiMet predicted moderate rainfalls in 20 states and heavy rainfalls in parts of Kwara and Niger States within the next few days. Flooding is a recurrent phenomenon in Nigeria during the rainy season and often causes loss of lives and properties. The government and relevant agencies have been working to mitigate the impact of flooding and improve the resilience of affected communities.
